France Haute Savoie, Chamonix, Les Drus from La Mer de Glace

Sculptural Watercolor Original Painting, Fine Art Print, French Alpine Art, Climate Change, Rockfalls

Les Drus from La Mer de Glace – Fine Art Print & Original Painting (On Exhibition)

Sculptural Watercolour® by Prue Bishop, 70 x 50 x 4 cm, G10, 2022

🏔️ A Majestic Peak, Now Crumbling

The Aiguille du Dru, commonly known as Les Drus, is one of the most iconic peaks in the French Alps, towering above the Mer de Glace in Chamonix. Once a climber’s paradise, it has suffered increasing rockfalls in recent years as melting permafrost destabilizes the mountain. The most dramatic collapse occurred in 2005, when an entire rock pillar, once climbed by the legendary Walter Bonatti, crumbled into the valley below.

🌍 A Warning from the Alps

Permafrost—the frozen ground that holds high peaks together—is thawing due to global warming, making previously safe climbing and trekking routes unstable. Rockfalls are becoming more frequent, endangering climbers and altering the landscape.

🎨 Prue Bishop’s Perspective

Prue Bishop remembers Les Drus before the Bonatti Pillar collapsed and, during a recent visit, was struck by the immense scar left behind. In this Sculptural Watercolour®, she captures the light-colored rock where the pillar once stood and the rich textures and colors of the mountain’s fractured surface.

🖼️ Artwork Availability & Print Details:

• The original painting (70 x 50 x 4 cm) is currently on exhibition. If you are interested in purchasing the original, please contact us for availability.
• Fine Art Prints and Digital Downloads are available.
• Prints are offered in multiple sizes – see Digital Images Notice for details. Prints exclude mounts and frames.
• Printed on museum-quality, archival paper with rich color depth and texture.