C19th Carved "Black Forest" Study of the 'Lion of Luzern'

C19th carved "Black Forest" study of the 'Lion of Luzern'. A 'Grand Tour' souvenir carved in linden wood ( lime ), based upon the stone lion monument in Luzern , Switzerland. The memorial is dedicated to the memory of the Swiss Guard who were massacred in 1792 whilst protecting the French Royal Family in the Tuileries Palace, Paris, during the Revolution on August 10th. The inscription along the base translates as "To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss" and taken from the original massive stone monument. The mortally wounded lion is shown impaled by a spear ,covering a shield bearing the 'fleur de lys' of the French monarchy,whilst beside him is a shield bearing the Swiss coat-of-arms. The monument designed by the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldesen ,was hewn in 1820-21 by Lukas Ahorn in a disused sandstone quarry near Lucerne (see photo below). Faded ,dry, pale patina ,with evidence of extinct wood-worm to reverse.

W 11" x D 4 " x H 5".

Switzerland c.1870

Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .

Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .

Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .

All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees & Sons .

If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance . Our inventory on the website Selling Antiques .co.uk showcases our range of stock, whilst more items are available to view on our website. Please visit us on:

www.leesantiquesworcester.com.

Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218

Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.