Lion of Lucerne Inkstand
Categories | Figural - Animals & Living Creatures, Souvenir |
Type | Lion |
Material | Metal, Wood |
Markings | See narrative |
Manufacturer | Undetermined |
Origin | Switzerland |
Date or Era | circa 1900 |
Measuring | 13 ½” x 9 ¼” x 5” high |
This inkstand is designed in the shape of a lion, depicted in a state of agony, lying on a shield with its head turned to the side. The lion’s mane and facial features are intricately detailed, capturing its majesty and power. The top of the inkstand is hinged, allowing it to open and reveal the interior compartments – two inkwells, a pen tray, and a concave storage area.
Example #2 – Lion of Lucerne hand-carved, wooden inkstand with the lion lying down with its head resting on a shield adorned with a cross. Above the pen tray is the inscription “Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti”. The inkwell is located to the right of the lion and is covered with a textured lid, which resembles a rock. The inkwell measures 6 ⅞” x 3 ⅛” x 3 ½” high.
Historical Context
The inscription “Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti” translates to “To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss,” a tribute to the Swiss Guards who were massacred during the French Revolution. The Lion of Lucerne, or Löwendenkmal, is a monument in Lucerne, Switzerland, designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and carved by Lukas Ahorn between 1820 and 1821. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were killed during the storming of the Tuileries Palace in Paris on August 10, 1792. The monument is a poignant tribute to their bravery and loyalty, symbolized by a dying lion carved into a sandstone rock.
Sold for $115 in August 2024
Example #2 sold for $140 in September 2024
Content disclaimer. The information posted is the owner’s best knowledge and may not have been vetted by the SOIC. We welcome comments, corrections, and additions, working to make our website information comprehensive and accurate.
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