Major Abraham Davel, Statue in Lausanne, Switzerland
Major Abraham Davel is a bronze statue on a marble pedestal in Lausanne, Switzerland. It stands in front of a tall arched marble relief showing a winged figure and, below, faint outlines of buildings and hills.
The monument was inaugurated in 1898 for the centenary of Vaud's independence. It was created by sculptor Maurice Reymond after a competition in 1895.
The monument is a meeting point for locals and a stop on guided tours about Vaud identity. The inscription "PAR LE PEUPLE VAUDOIS" recalls that the monument was funded by public subscription.
The statue is in the old town, near the castle, and is easy to find on foot. Visit in the morning or late afternoon for softer light on the bronze and the relief.
The winged figure on the relief is known as the "Belle inconnue", a peasant woman whose prophecies inspired Davel in his youth. The bronze palm frond on the pedestal is easy to miss but adds a symbol of martyrdom.
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