![The Franco-Prussian war of 1870-1871 was brutal. Depicted here in a painting by Alphonse de Neuville.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/schweizer-in-paris-300x225.jpg)
Between the lines
In 1871, two Swiss men were sent on a mission, rushing to the aid of Swiss citizens trapped in Paris. To do so they had to cross the Prussian siege line, and talk their way past the French.
![Paris after the German bombardment.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/paris-300x202.jpg)
![The Prussian heavy artillery is aimed at Paris.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/belagerung-300x195.jpg)
Mission to Paris
![Portrait of Arthur Chenevière.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/cheneviere-178x300.jpg)
30,000 francs from Switzerland
![Portrait of Johann Konrad Kern, around 1850.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/johann-212x300.jpg)