I have been collecting material about Switzerland and the First World War for some time. I found the painting shown above on a well known internet auction site in 2005. Unfortunately its full history is not known, but there are a few clues.
Edit: Originally I believed that this painting shows a scene during the First World War. Having looked more closely at the uniforms, I think it more likely that it shows a slightly earlier period. It could perhaps depict Swiss troops during the 1870-1871 Franco-Prussian War, or in the years between that conflict and the First World War. [March 2015]
The painting shows a small group of Swiss soldiers during the first year or two of the Great War. It appears to be near winter, as there is some snow on the ground. One of their number is shown on guard at far right (detail on left), so they may well be near the frontier. In the bottom right corner is the title "Avant poste, Mariastein". "Avant poste" means "outpost", implying that these men are right on the Swiss frontier. Mariastein seems likely to be the area of Mariastein Abbey, a Benedictine monastery less than one mile from the Swiss-French border.
Apart from the soldier on guard, the others are relaxing and trying to make the best of their basic circumstances. They have created a small wooden hut, and one is reading a newspaper. Others just look bored!
On the back of the painting is what must be the artist's name: "Aquarelle Bacheliu". The painting has his signature in one corner. I obtained the painting from the USA, and it could be that he or his family had moved there.
On the back of the painting is what must be the artist's name: "Aquarelle Bacheliu". The painting has his signature in one corner. I obtained the painting from the USA, and it could be that he or his family had moved there.
Any comments on the painting would be welcome. Thank you.
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