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Christian Mayer and Family

Description

Sculpture of the wealthy German merchant Mayer family including the father, Christian, standing, his wife seated. Their son Leavis is sat on her lap and their daughter Anna Maria is standing at her right hand. The group of figures sits atop a cylindrical pedestal inscribed with lyrics from Homer.

Date

circa 1796

Materials

Wood

Object ID

1905.3.1

Resource ID

9702

Notes

Inscription of Homer writings on pedestal reads: "Of all the gifts Of Heaven, more precious none I deem, than Peace 'Twixt wedded pair, and union undissolved; Envy torments their enemies, but joy Pills ev'ry virtuous breast, and most their own." During my parents' lives this group was placed prominently in the hall of their dwellings, and the classical motto that it -bore Avas always the law of their happy home."

Credit Line

Gift of Mrs. M. W. Mayer

Digital Publisher

Digital resource provided by the Maryland Center for History and Culture

Rights

This digital image is made available here for private study, scholarship, and research. Commercial and other uses are prohibited without the permission of the Maryland Center for History and Culture. For more information, visit the MCHC’s Reproductions and Permissions web page.