Young Meher, (sculpture).

Young Meher, (sculpture).

Der Harootian, Koren, 1909-1991, sculptor.

Young Meher, (sculpture).

Meher, (sculpture).

1975. Dedicated April 24, 1976.

Sculpture: bronze; Base: red granite.

Sculpture (includes upper base with reliefs): approx. 168 x 70 x 120 in.; Lower base: approx. 28 x 79 x 128 in.

(On each relief:) K. Der Harootian 1975 (Armenian writing appears on each relief) signed

A bronze standing male figure, "Meher," in a middle ages battle uniform, facing south, with proper left leg forward and bent, proper right leg extended behind. Figure appears to be in process of kneeling. Face is pointed upward and arms are raised high with elbows bent; both hands are clutching a cross. Figure stands atop a granite upper base that contains bronze figurative reliefs depicting scenes from Armenian history. The statue and upper base are supported by a thick lower base. A flat rock, situated in front of the sculpture supports a plaque with text.

History -- Medieval -- Armenia

Religion -- Christianity

Emblem -- Cross

Dress -- Historic -- Armor

Figure male -- Full length

State of Being -- Death -- Execution

Religion -- Saint -- St. Vartan

Ethnic -- Armenian

Outdoor Sculpture -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia

Administered by City of Philadelphia, Fairmount Park Commission, Memorial Hall, West Park, P. O. Box 21601, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19131

Located Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Kelly Drive Entrance, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130

Inscription on plaque, located on rock in front of the sculpture: On this day, April 24, 1976/Commemorating the 61st anniversary/of the martyrdom of the Armenian nation/and celebrating the Bicentennial year/of American Independence/we Americans of Armenian heritage/in eternal gratitude to God/dedicate this monument/to our adopted land of freedom,/the United States of America./The sculpture/"Meher", a legendary figure of inspiring power/symbolizing the invincible faith of the Armenian people,/the first nation to embrace Christianity (301 A. D.) (Front panel:) Keeping watch over the spiritual and cultural heritage of Armenia (Left panel:) Day of Infamy - April 24, 1915 - the genocide/and martyrdom of the Armenian nation (Right panel:) St. Vartan at the battle of Avarayr (451 A. D.)/History's first defense of the Christian faith (Rear panel:) Mid the ashes of martyrs, mother and child/look to freedom for Armenia and all nations/Sculpture by Khoren Der Harootian/initiated by the Knights of Vartan/Directed and brought to fruition by the Armenian Bicentennial Commemoration Committee.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia survey, 1993.

Brenner, Rosalyn, "Philadelphia's Outdoor Art: A Walking Tour," 1991, pg. 60-61.

Brenner, Rosalyn, "Philadelphia's Outdoor Art: A Walking Tour," 1991, pg. 60-61.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

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