Edward Whymper Paintings

Edward Whymper was a British illustrator, wood engraver, and mountaineer, famous for being the first climber to ascend the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps. Born on April 27, 1840, in London, England, Whymper was the second child of the artist and wood engraver Josiah Wood Whymper and his wife Elizabeth Claridge. He was trained in his father's trade and showed considerable talent in illustration and wood engraving from a young age.

Whymper's career as a mountaineer began when he was sent by a publisher to make sketches of the Alpine regions of Europe in 1860. His interest in mountaineering was kindled during this trip, and he soon started climbing mountains as well as sketching them. Whymper made several significant ascents in the Alps throughout the 1860s, including the first ascent of the Grand Cornier and the first winter ascent of Monte Rosa.

The crowning achievement of Whymper's climbing career was the first ascent of the Matterhorn on July 14, 1865. This triumph was, however, marred by tragedy. On the descent, four members of his party fell to their deaths when a rope broke. This incident had a profound impact on Whymper and the future of mountaineering, leading to greater emphasis on safety and climbing ethics. Whymper's account of the climb, 'Scrambles Amongst the Alps', published in 1871, remains a classic of mountaineering literature.

Aside from his mountaineering exploits, Whymper continued to work as an illustrator and wood engraver, producing work for various books and journals. He also traveled extensively, including trips to Greenland and the Canadian Rockies. Whymper documented these expeditions in writings and illustrations, contributing to the geographical and scientific knowledge of the time.

Edward Whymper passed away on September 16, 1911, in Chamonix, France, at the age of 71. His legacy endures not only in the annals of mountaineering history but also through his artistic contributions, his emphasis on climbing safety, and his spirit of adventure that continues to inspire climbers and explorers around the world.