Imperial crown - photographic drawing

I took this photograph in the heart of the Val d'Anniviers, aiming the lens at the mythical summits of the imperial crown of Zinal. The shot immortalizes the most beautiful mountains of the Valais, the mineral jewels of Switzerland.

In front of us, an autumn landscape is revealed, veiled in a light immaculate lace: the white gold has fallen on the peaks after a dry, hot summer and has finally plastered the faces. The glaciers remain wide open, however; the Mening glacier, despite its summer wounds, still shines brightly, illuminating the foothills of Besso with its reflections, its ridge soaring skywards between light and shadow. Autumnal light warms up these slumbering mountains, and in a few days' time, the north faces will remain in darkness for many months to come. This is what the Ober Gabelhorn (4063m) announces, appearing here timidly, half-lit.

This large-format print photo reveals minute details, such as the route leading to the Mountet hut (on the right of the shot) or the traces of grey moraines evoking the ancient glaciers of centuries gone by...

The landscape is grandiose and characterizes my quest for the world above. The great classics of Valais mountaineering emerge and line up perfectly: the Zinalrothorn (4221m), still smoking, leads to the Trifthorn (3729m) via the Pointe du Mountet (3839m); then the Wellenkuppe (3900m) takes us to the imposing Ober Gabelhorn; from there, the ridges guide us to Mont Durant (3610m), all the way to the Pointe de Zinal (3790m). In the background, the Matterhorn (4478m) reigns supreme, accompanied by its court: the summits du Breithorn (4163m).

The beauty of this imperial crown has inspired me from day one. In this unique photograph, the effect of the snow on the rocks creates a deep, dreamlike, inky effect. A work of art to contemplate for hours, until you lose yourself in these eternal alpine diamonds.