Silver Prestance

"Monstrous coquette" unveiling her charms to the sky. That's what Guy de Maupassant called it. The famous Dent Blanche rock pyramid stands between val d’Anniviers and the Val d'Hérens in the Valais Alps. In this striking black-and-white photograph, the mountain's north face is exposed to the first rays of sunlight, while its west side lies in shadow. Its walls are among the most imposing in the Alps. The enormous size of summit can be admired from afar. At the foot of the ridge, the only evidence of human presence, the Dent Blanche bivouac highlights the incredible scale of the mountain. In the background, the Mount Rose massif adds depth to the work. The Liskamm can be seen on the horizon, sparkling with beauty.

I created this portrait in the square format of Dent Blanche to highlight its charismatic beauty. As the storm receded, the sun rose over the snow-covered mountain. I waited a long time before photographing summit decked out in such a blanket of snow. The magic of snowflakes revealing the invisible. The details of its rock, its faults and reliefs, its crevices and peaks. The soul of a legendary mountain, flamboyant and majestic.

Through pure contrasts, Dent Blanche displays its sovereign presence. I chose softness to convey strength. Because the power emanating from the mountain is such that it doesn't need to be reinforced by artifice. Silver tones temper its fieriness as much as they sublimate its beauty. Serene and fascinating, Dent Blanche reigns over the skies just as it captivates our hearts.