Fine Alpine Art

History of the Alps

Dive into the depths of time with fascinating stories that weave together the Alps' rich past, revealing illustrious figures, cultural epics and the evolving links between the world of men and the mountains.

34 articles
Dufour card history
History of the Alps

History of the Dufour map Topographic map of Switzerland

In the heart of the 19th century, a pioneering engineer changed the course of history. Under the bold direction of Guillaume-Henri Dufour, the first 1:100,000 topographic map of Switzerland was produced. The result of a remarkable piece of work, it revolutionized the world of science, the army and administration. Here's the story of the Dufour map, the mother of the Confederation's maps. Guillaume-Henri Dufour: Creator of Switzerland's first topographical map It all began when Guillaume-Henri Dufour was appointed quartermaster general of the Swiss army in 1832. For several years already, Switzerland had been planning to complete the topographical coverage of ...
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History of crystal makers at summit of the Alps
History of the Alps

History of crystal makers at summit of the Alps

From time immemorial, men have climbed mountains, fascinated by the luminous brilliance of crystals. Treasure hunters exploring the heights. Mineral lovers and thrill-seekers. Here's the story of the crystal makers at summit . Crystals bloom in the Mont Blanc massif It all began 25 million years ago. The Earth shakes, the abyss boils. On the borders of Africa and Europe, tectonic plates clashed and tore each other apart. During their merciless struggle, cavities form in the heart of the rock. Water seeps into them, happy to escape for a while from the fury ...
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Painting of Horace Bénédict de Saussure and his companions crossing a glacier on their way to Mont Blanc.
History of the Alps

The Alps in literature Part 3 The mountains, from the golden age of mountaineering to the present day

Highlighted by Romantic writers, the mountains of the 19th century became the stage for all kinds of exploits. At the time of its conquest, it shone with a thousand lights, inspiring poets and mountaineers alike. Until the day when man, replete with his bravery, realizes that summits leads to the rest he had so long hoped for. Perhaps too late, as time will tell. In this third and final instalment, I take you on a journey of discovery of the Alps in literature from the golden age of mountaineering to today's troubled times. Climbing stories: mountaineers conquer literature In the golden age of ...
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Painting of a sailboat on Lake Geneva with a view of the Dents du Midi
History of the Alps

The Alps in Literature Part 2 Mountains in the Golden Age of Romanticism

Out of the darkness, the Alps emerge. Highlighted by Romantic literature, the mountains are about to open their hearts to man. Under the lyrical pen of the great writers, the mountains shine and shine. A new era begins in the celestial kingdom. After exploring the genesis of Alpine stories, in this second instalment I take you on a tour of the Alps in literature during the golden age of Romanticism. The Alps in literature: the golden age of Romanticism In the 19th century, the Romantic movement took off. From a threatening realm, the Alps became the place ...
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photo of buet and mont blanc in winter
History of the Alps

The Alps in Literature Part 1 The mountains from the dawn of writing to the beginnings of Romanticism

The Alps have always inspired mankind. Fighters and poets, thinkers and novelists, they have nourished their art and reflection with the power of the mountains and their immensity. Fearsome creature or divine muse, symbol of power or solitude, the mountain becomes in turn a source of light or darkness. Awakening our most vivid emotions as well as our wildest instincts, they guide us from transcendence to contemplation, from rage to the sublime. And, at the end of the journey, brings us back to ourselves. Is this not the ambition of every adventure? In this ...
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History of mountain guides
History of the Alps

Guardians of the Alps History of mountain guides

In 1942, Roger Frison-Roche shed light on the profession of mountain guide in his famous novel Premier de cordée. The world then discovered the exceptional know-how of these pass-keepers, who until then had remained in the shadow of the highest summits. Here, I tell you the story of the guardians of the Alps, seasoned mountaineering virtuosos. The guardians of the Alps : Pass guardians from Antiquity to the Renaissance Since ancient times, armies have called on mountain dwellers to guide them through the twists and turns of these hostile places. Crossing the passes is a necessity if you want to ...
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Aiguille verte - Wood photo frame of the Green Needle and aiguille verte chamonix Mountains in fog and clouds
History of the Alps

Bradford Washburn Forerunner of aerial photography

Iconic mountaineer and renowned cartographer, visionary explorer and genius photographer, Bradford Washburn reinvents the art of the mountain as he makes history. Resolutely and passionately, he joins summits to better sublimate them. Alongside his wife Barbara Washburn, he has devoted his life to the breathtaking natural world, from the heights of Alaska to the far reaches of the Himalayas. Portrait of a legendary adventurer, Bradford Washburn, precursor of high-mountain aerial photography. Bradford Washburn: Birth of a legendary mountaineer at summit de l'Aiguille Verte Henry Bradford Washburn Jr. was born on June 7, 1910 in ...
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photo of buet and mont blanc in winter
History of the Alps

Gaston Rébuffat Poet of the summits and exceptional mountaineer

Combative and determined, Gaston Rébuffat clung to the mountains as he grasped life, with a fiery passion mingled with elegance. From the calanques of Marseille, he became one of the most brilliant mountaineers of his time. Holder of the most daring records, he was the first man to successfully climb the six great north faces of the Alps. A member of the historic summit expedition to Annapurna in 1950, and a renowned writer and film-maker, he will always be remembered as one of the most famous mountain guides in the Chamonix valley. Portrait of Gaston Rébuffat, poet of the peaks and exceptional mountaineer. Gaston Rébuffat ...
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History of the Alps

Portrait of mountaineer Lionel Terray Virtuoso conqueror of the high mountains

Lionel Terray, a prodigious mountaineer with a legendary destiny, lives to the rhythm of the mountains and their titanic peaks. Nourishing his heart with the scent of the peaks, his body clings to the rock as if they were one. From the highest summits of the Alps to the eternal snows of the Himalayas, from the fabulous Andes to the ice of Alaska, he triumphs over the most perilous crossings. Portrait of an exceptional adventurer, mountaineer Lionel Terray, virtuoso conqueror of the high mountains. Lionel Terray: Birth of an exceptional mountaineer in the French Alps On July 25, 1921, in Grenoble, France, a star was born. Conqueror of the ...
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Black and white aerial photograph of the Egyptian pyramids and the surrounding area.
History of the Alps

Eduard Spelterini Pioneer of aerial photography

An adventurer of the skies with a visionary soul, Eduard Spelterini lives his life as he flies the skies. Guided by the winds, he follows his instincts across the Alps and around the world. Bold and determined, he wanted to make his mark. This aerostat ace, an avant-gardist of heights, never ceased to innovate, challenging all obstacles to resist him. Today, his timeless work is a priceless heritage. Portrait of Eduard Spelterini, legendary balloonist and pioneer of aerial photography. From Eduard Schweizer to the great Spelterini | His childhood dreams The son of Sigmund Schweizer and Maria Magdalena Sütterlin, the young ...
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Panoramic black-and-white photograph of the Matterhorn and its surrounding summits .
History of the Alps, Portraits of Mountains

The Haute Route Chamonix-Zermatt History and main routes

Between the peaks and valleys of the Alps, an exceptional route is carved out. An authentic link between Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, the Haute Route Chamonix-Zermatt emerges from the glaciers. But do you know the history of this legendary crossing? Do you know that there are several routes to Zermatt ? This route, often marked out by several days of mountain skiing, awakens in us the wind of freedom and the taste for surpassing oneself. Let me tell you the story of the Haute Route Chamonix-Zermatt and reveal the main routes. History of the Haute Route Chamonix-Zermatt | Conquering a prestigious itinerary ...
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Aerial view of Zermatt in 1800
History of the Alps, Alpine Places

Zermatt Fabulous history of the capital of the Swiss Alps

A small mountain village living to the rhythm of nature's abundance and rigor, Zermatt flourishes under the aegis of the Matterhorn and the most beautiful summits in the Alps. Like a wooded jewel in a rocky setting. Until the day when men decided to conquer the surrounding peaks one by one, bringing mountaineering to its golden age in the heart of the Valais. In just a few decades, the village was transformed into the capital of the Swiss Alps. Here's a look back at the fabulous history of Zermatt, whose unique destiny has earned it a worldwide reputation. The village of Zermatt | Agro-pastoral oasis in the heart ...
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Discover Thomas Crauwels

Modern romantic artist, Thomas Crauwels has a recognized and distinctive style that has won numerous Swiss and international awards.
Between Beauty, Majesty and Purity : Thomas Crauwels invites us on a grandiose, authentic journey to meet the giants of snow and ice that have moved him. A conduit for emotions, halfway between two worlds: his works elevate us.
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