The Mighty Falls - Grey Image(2) - on Tour Europe
Pentax Optio 750Z 1/40 7mm F 2.8 ISO 200 – Point and Shoot
Overcast, grey and raining; grey stone and grey story. It is said that when the scuptor was not paid his dues, the image surrounding the lion took on the form of a pig – a comment perhaps of what he thought of the patron who kept the purse strings closed – I wonder? What I now find interesting – and disappointing – I can not recall the legend or story of the demise of the poor lion!
However with thanks to Lisa Williams and Wikapedia …
“A sculpture designed by Bertal Thorvaldsen. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris, France.
The dying lion is portrayed impaled by a spear, covering a shield bearing the fleu-de-lis of the French monarchy, beside him is another shield being the coat of arms of Switzerland. The inscription below the sculpture lists the names of the officers, and approximate number of soldiers who died (DCCLX =760) and survivors (CCCL=350) Wikapedia.
Taken in what I believe is Gletschergarten Lowendenkmal Luzern Switzerland. Perhaps someone can help me with the details? I had posted an earlier close up image of the lion which did not attract attention or comment. Can someone help? (Lisa Williams 17/11/09 … thank you!!)
The Mighty Falls - Grey Image(2) - on Tour Europe belongs to the following groups:
Complex Simplicity of Art, All Countries ~ Wetlands, Ponds, Lakes and Rivers, Animal Kingdom, Beginner's Expressions, European Everyday Life (add the place!), If it doesn't belong, Moody, Dark, Evocative (no nudes), Nostalgic Art and Photography, Public Art, Shades of Grey, STUNNING SWITZERLAND, The Compact Group *ONE* per day with *camera details please*, The Patchwork and Travel and Adventure Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Laminated Prints and Framed Prints
Glenn Browning
Hey, thats cool
chijude replied
Thanks Glenn – for the commnenb and the visit ... I had a close up of the lion posted earlier … but I think it was so very very grey it was depressing! So I am delighted you found this one.
janfoster
Wow great shot
chijude replied
Thanks Jan. Not a shot that appears to have great appeal … and yet I did find it fascinating! Thanks for finding it
!!
Lisa Williams
“A sculpture designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris, France.
The dying lion is portrayed impaled by a spear, covering a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis of the French monarchy; beside him is another shield bearing the coat of arms of Switzerland. The inscription below the sculpture lists the names of the officers, and approximate numbers of the soldiers who died (DCCLX = 760), and survived (CCCL = 350).[2]” Wikipedia
I remember very well my visit to the Lion Monument in Lucerne. I was with a tour group and we had about an hour of free time left. My friend and I took a wrong turn whilst heading for the monument. By the time we found it we had time for a quick photo and ran back to meet the group!
Lisa Williams
Glad I could help!
chijude replied
It has taken a number of years to finall get this loop of information complete. I may in future load the close up I took too, (If I caN FIND IT!! Thanks again Lisa
Karen Betts
that is wonderful such detail carved into the rock face, lovely capture as shows the real size and placement of it. : )
chijude replied
You got that Karen. I found the story re the ‘pig’ outline fascinating too … you sometimes wonder whether the guides make them up … but this one seems quite possible.
chazz
Great Shot!!!
chijude replied
Thanks Chazz … glad it appealed!