Robert Belcher Antiques

Description

A fine Swiss Black Forest hand carved walnut study of William Tell and his son.

This superb quality walnut Swiss black forest sculpture depicts the Swiss legend William Tell jubilantly walking home arm in arm with his son with a large crossbow resting across his shoulder dated with the year 1307 on the base.

The legend of William Tell is told that he was a famed marksman and a strong man resentful of the authorities. A newly appointed local Swiss governor had his hat mounted onto a pole and the townsfolk were told to bow to it when passing by to show their respect. William Tell publicly refused and the governor cruelly punished him with the threat of execution of both himself and his son unless he could publicly shoot an apple placed on his son’s head with a single bolt from his crossbow. He obviously succeeded as this pleasing carving shows.

Swiss circa 1900. It is beautifully carved from a single piece of solid dense walnut. In excellent condition with a good rich colour and a pleasing patina.

Height 30cm x width 14cm x depth 10cm

We no longer have shop premises. All of our items can be viewed online.
If you wish to see an item, we will be more than happy to arrange a viewing.

Many thanks
Wendy and Robert