Verticality and Majesty

Close-up of the north face of the Matterhorn, the most famous mountain in the Alps and probably in the world. I'd been dreaming of doing this for years, until that precious day when impetuous winds plastered summit. Sovereign of the Swiss Alps in his majestic white coat. In this astonishing photograph, I wanted to highlight the implacable verticality of its north face, which dominates the horizon like an impassable wall. By getting closer to the Matterhorn in this way, I also wanted to highlight the fabulous traverse that leads to its summit. I was lucky enough to make it, with the invaluable help of Vivian Bruchez, and my memories of it are grandiose and unforgettable.

Our journey begins on the left-hand side of the photograph. On her print large-format photo, you can see the fixed ropes that lead the way to the Matterhorn's summit . We then traverse a final section in the snow, the same one that cost the lives of four climbers in 1865, when Edward Whymper made his first ascent of the mountain. We then continue to summit , where a statue of St. Bernard stands. We then cross the ridge, a fascinating line between earth and sky. Celestial tightrope walkers, we oscillate between the Matterhorn's south face, with its gaping precipice leading to Cervinia, and its more welcoming north face. One last climb and we're finally on the Italian summit . A metal cross, the ultimate symbol of the mountain, opens its arms to us. Heroes of the day, we've made it! After so much effort, and despite the fatigue that is crushing us, it's time to take a breather.

I was so moved to reach this cross. After devoting 13 years of my life to photographing the Matterhorn, we were finally reunited. Because that's how I see my art. Servant of the high mountains. I'm constantly on the lookout for the perfect conditions to bring out its beauty. Constantly striving to immortalize summits in a new light. At the very edge of their soul. And, more than anything, I feed my photographs with the intense emotions I feel when I contemplate them. Alpine giants that haunt my dreams and inspire me forever.