Alpine Majesty

In this panoramic photograph, I'm featuring the Matterhorn and the Matterhorn. The Dent d'Hérenstwo of the most beautiful summits in the Valais Alps, Switzerland. The image reveals the lesser-known side of the Matterhorn. From the Val D'Hérens, the western slope of the mountain appears here in majesty, bounded by the Zmutt and Lion ridges, through which this colossus is climbed from Italy. In the background, the Mont-Rose massif, with the Liskamm and Breithorn, add relief to the picture. In the foreground, the Tête Blanche is the last stage of the high route between Chamonix and Zermatt. Valpelline's head also appears on the right.

I painted this picture on a spring morning, when the first rays of sunlight were just beginning to caress the snow-covered summits . It took a great deal of patience and perseverance to immortalize this exceptional landscape. To reach this viewpoint, I had to walk for two days. On five separate occasions, I skied or hiked up to it, but never had the chance to admire the breathtaking panorama. Each time, the storm roared up or the view was blocked by clouds. It was impossible to capture the purity of these high mountain ranges. Then one day, the miracle happened. The snow gave way to sunshine and nature presented me with a breathtaking spectacle. At last, I had one of the most beautiful views in the Alps right in front of me. An incredible privilege that I'm happy to share with you.

I'm particularly touched by this photograph. I love the softness of its contrasts. The play of light and shadow highlights the materials that bring the image to life. The velvety softness of the snow, untouched and glistening, both soothes and amazes me. I dream of spending a night up there, between heaven and earth. But the challenge is daunting: the equipment weighs a lot and there are many crevasses on the road leading to the glacier.

I painted this picture in 2018. Since then, the landscape has changed considerably due to the effects of global warming. The scorching temperatures of 2022 have had a huge impact on the high relief. Many crevasses have opened up. Future generations will never experience the high mountains as they do today. Faced with this tragic reality, I realize the importance of the mission I have set myself: to pass on a heritage through my work. To immortalize the transcendent beauty of a celestial realm that we imagine to be eternal, but which is unfortunately only ephemeral. This is the urgency I must face, and the fire that drives me relentlessly.