Description
Antique print dated 1895.
The page is over 115 years old and in good condition.
In order to enhance and protect the page we have set in within a bespoke frame and mount.
Frame size 400mm x 370mm. available also in a
gold frame, your choice. RtW.72.
Entitled – Chillon. Chillon, Showing the Castle.
Below the picture an inscription reads:
Chillon. – Four hours by steamer from Lausanne, on the Lake of Geneva; or electric trams run every ten minutes from Vevey to this lovely spot, immortalized by Byron’s poem.
The famous Castle of Chillon, seen in our photograph, is washed by the waters of the lake, which, at this point, is over 300ft. deep.
It was built in the year 830, and was fortified by the Dukes of Savoy four centuries afterwards.
Apart from its historic interest, it is impressive by reason of its solid walls and towers, and its curiously isolated position on a rock connected with the bank by a wooden bridge.
The feudal hall and bedrooms are shown, also the rock-hewn dungeons, in one of which thousands of unfortunate Jews are said to have been sentenced to death, anf drowned forthwith in the lake.
The beam wherefrom criminals were hanged, the torture chamber, and other equally cheerful relics are pointed out to visitors.
But the dungeon made memorable by Byron’s poem, “The Prisoner of Chillon,” is the chief point of interest.
Enthusiasts should remember, though, that the subject of Lord Byron’s poem must not be received as the historical Bonnivard who incurred the wrath of the Duke of Savoy through fighting for the Republic of Geneva.
Bonnivard was for six years imprisoned in the Castle of Chillon, but was ultimately liberated by the victorious Bernese in 1536, and he died in 1570, at the respectable age of seventy-five.
Byron calls his poem a fable, and when he wrote it he was not acquainted with the real history of Bonnivard.
The poet, accompanied by Shelley, arrived at the Anchor Hotel, Ouchy, on a stormy day in 1817.
The two stayed a couple of days at the hotel, and it was here that Bryon wrote “The Prisoner of Chillon.”
Above the entrance to the Castle of Chillon are engraved the arms of the Canton of Vaud; and one would seek in vain for a more impressive picture than is afforded by the interior of that gloomy pile when the rays of the setting sun light up its mysterious and ancient halls.
As might be expected, countless names are engraved on the various walls and pillars of the Castle.
Among these names we deciphered those of Byron himself, Eugene Sue, George Sand, and Victor Hugo.
If you buy an item and then see it relisted this is because we occasionally have more than one available, each page is
original and not a photocopy.
Thank you for looking, please visit our shop.
