Lot 706
A CARVED COPY OF THE 'LION OF LUCERNE' MEMORIAL TO THE SWISS GUARD.
A carved softwood memorial to the Swiss Guard massacred in 1792. Carved with a dying lion resting on French and Swiss Shields, beneath the motto 'Helvetiorum Fidei Ac Virtuti' and inscription recording the dates, event and those involved. Signed 'Studio C Pfyffer' 'Arte A. Thorwaldsen' and 'Opera L. Ahorn'.
This work copies the famous 'Lion of Lucerne' carved into the rock face in Switzerland to a design by Bertel Thorvlaldsen in 1820-21. Some 760 members of the The Swiss Guard were massacred in 1792 whilst protecting the King at the Tuilleries Palace during the 10th of August Insurrection. 45.3cm x 57.8cm, 5.5cm deep.
