Erich Mayer
Erich Ernst Karl Mayer (1876-1960) was a German-Jewish artist, writer and philosopher who migrated and settled in South Africa and has been recognized for his contributions towards an indigenous South African artistic style[1]
Early life
Born in Karlsruhe, Germany and raised in Berlin, Mayer was awarded a scholarship to study architecture. However, an illnesses prevented him from completing his degree, and he moved to South Africa, where he worked as a land surveyor.[2] Mayer joined a boer commando during the Anglo Boer War, and sketched local farm where he stayed overnignt.[3] He was captured in Mafikeng, sent to St Helena as a prisoner of war and then returned to Germany.[4]
Influence on South Africa
Mayer returned to South Africa and In 1912 he settled in Pretoria, where he began advocating for a National Art Identity. [5] He gained particular fame with his meticulous and sympathetic portrayal of the life of the farmer in the interior. He died in Pretoria in 1960.
References
- ^ Basson, Eunice (2006-01-01). "Pottering around in Africa: Erich Mayer's search for an indigenous South African style as exemplified in his ceramic designs". de arte. 41 (74): 3–19. doi:10.1080/00043389.2006.11877058. ISSN 0004-3389.
- ^ "Erich Mayer". www.fabinet.up.ac.za. Retrieved 2025-02-15.
- ^ "Mayer, Erich - Dyman Gallery | South African Masters". Dyman Gallery | South African Masters. Archived from the original on 2024-07-21. Retrieved 2025-02-15.
- ^ "MAYER, Ernst Karl Erich". artefacts.co.za. Retrieved 2025-02-15.
- ^ Basson, Eunice (2006-01-01). "Pottering around in Africa: Erich Mayer's search for an indigenous outh African style as exemplified in his ceramic designs". de arte. 41 (74): 3–19. doi:10.1080/00043389.2006.11877058. ISSN 0004-3389.