Edward Merrin

The Olmec World of Michael Coe

2011-11-10T12:37:00.001-05:00

Largely through the work of Michael D. Coe — renowned among historians as a great maven for pre-Columbian civilizations, particularly the Maya — we now know considerably more about the Olmec civilization.

The worldview of the Olmec civilization was that of a multi-layered world inhabited by a pantheon of deities. A world tree (axis mundi) perforated and stabilized the constituent layers of sky (upper world), earth, and underworld, but also provided a highway to traverse them.

This Olmec figure, from Tabasco, Mexico, and dated to
1500–800 BCE, is compact and only slightly modified
from the original cobble of which it was carved.

In order to travel between the realms to effect change, cure disease, etc., a shaman had to undergo a spirit journey in a transmuted state aided by animal helpers. Sculptures show human shamans in varied states of transforming into animals for such passages.

An enigmatic, crouching Olmec figure, carved of hard greenstone, may be part of the myriad representations that relate to the shamanic journey.

This figure seems to combine human and animals traits. Yes, he is seated in an anthropomorphic crouch with arms wrapped around — the right around the lower jaw and the left around the knee and the hands have five fingers.

But the feet are claw-like and the face is somewhat simian with a broad, flat nose. A half scallop, incised at the bridge, furrows the flesh and hints at “otherness”. The almond-shaped eyes, which may have originally held inlays of contrasting material, are set within puffy mounds of flesh.

In addition to the hybrid nature of the being depicted, the incised human footprints, circumscribing the eye sockets (and now filled in with red pigment for legibility) may refer to the shamanic journey.

It has been suggested that the implied equivalency between vision and footprints (journey) indicates the acquisition of spiritual knowledge. That the mouth is covered, i.e., metaphorically sealed, one may infer that such knowledge will remain secret.

Reference:

Michael D. Coe, et al., The Olmec World: Ritual and Rulership (The Art Museum, Princeton University) Princeton, New Jersey (1995) p. 187, no. 67.

Provenance:

European private collection
Spanish private collection
Edward H. Merrin Gallery, Inc., 1968

Invitation from Ed Merrin – Waterlily Concerts

2011-07-25T17:50:00.073-04:00

Floral arrangement by Ed Merrin,
photo by Ismael Ramirez.

Once again, Vivian and Ed Merrin are sponsoring The New York Botanical Garden's Waterlily Concert Series. This year's series, which will have a Spanish theme as part of the Garden's current exhibition Spanish Paradise: Gardens of the Alhambra, will be held on the evenings of August 4, 11, and 18.

The waterlilies and lotus collection (in the conservatory courtyard) and Spanish Paradise (in the conservatory) are on view from 6 – 7 p.m., and the concerts on the conservatory lawn begin at 7 p.m.

Visit the NYBG's official website for more information about the Waterlily Concert Series, or for directions to the venue.

Ed Merrin will hold a book signing of "Perfection of the Finite", his book on flower arrangements at each of the three concerts. All of the profits will go to the New York Botanic Gardens, the publisher.

"We hope that you will be able to join us for one or all of these wonderful evenings at The New York Botanical Garden," — Ed Merrin.

Below is the line-up for the series:

Thursday, August 4

Spanish Roots: Duo LiveOak & special guest choreographer Tricia Brouk

Duo LiveOak will perform medieval and classical Spanish music that captures the essence of the Alhambra. Dances choreographed by Tricia Brouk will translate the sound of the Spanish guitar into an enjoyable visual presentation.

Thursday, August 11

Flamenco Guitar, Percussion & Dance

Acclaimed group Flamenco Inside/Out will perform various songs and dances that span traditional flamenco to contemporary jazz. While there will be traditional flamenco performances, the concert will be focused on the music.

Thursday, August 18

Classical Spanish Guitar

International performer Jorge Caballero, the youngest person to ever win the Naumburg International Competition, will lead a spellbinding Spanish guitar set.

Tufts Holds Recognition Dinner for Merrins

2011-04-14T11:56:00.006-04:00

Ed and Vivian Merrin. Photo seen on The Tufts Daily.

Some time ago, Edward Merrin and his wife Vivian were given a grand dinner by Tufts University at Daniell’s, one of New York's most prestigious restaurants. The dinner was in recognition of the large Merrin-gift given to the university for scholarship funds, in the hope that it will allow the university to become tuition blind.

(Tuition blind means that one day, hopefully, all of the applications will be in one group, and acceptances will be made regardless of need; where all the needed help will be provided and no one will be refused because of funding. Similar to the current admissions and need-based scholarships at Harvard University.)

Edward Merrin recollected of that night, "One of the scholarship students gave an outstanding talk to the one-hundred attendees of the dinner, expressing the importance that the scholarship money was to her and how, in fact, her life was changed by it."

Hitting the nail on the head, the wish to help change the world has been the main intention of Edward Merrin's philanthropic pursuits; as was reported on Edward Merrin's givings. And this belief runs strong in the Merrin family, passed down through generations.

The current owner of NYC's Merrin Gallery, Samuel Merrin, devotes his free time to non-profit social work. Whether it be managerially on a non-profit's board of directors, or sharing his expertise of ancient art through teaching — Samuel Merrin actively pursues his causes via numerous NGOs, and through sharing these experiences, he would like to invite everyone to contribute.

All in all, the Merrin family has given high value to social conscience for generations. And Samuel's father, Edward Merrin, is at the pinnacle of it as he presented Tufts University with a $30 million commitment for financial aid to help foster students in need of a scholarship. But who knows what the future may hold...

Updates: Winter & Ed Merrin

2011-02-02T14:15:00.000-05:00

The latest updates on Ed Merrin.

Highlights of the Edward Merrin Blog over the past several months include a look at Edward's beginnings as an art dealer starting out in New York, as well as his breakthrough and success.

The story doesn't end in the '90s, with retirement from the antiquities business, but continues until today — through Ed Merrin's financial support of research and aid programs at Tufts University and New York University's medical branch. This is, in fact, preceded by an active life of giving — since very early on.

Ed Merrin Supports Tufts

Explores the philanthropist's motivation and history in supporting financial aid programs at the university. Includes further reading from sources at Tufts University and media outlets. Also, read on the financial significance of Edward Merrin's gift to Tufts.

Edward Merrin & Medicine

Details Edward Merrin's endowment to support the Chair of Medicine at NYU's Langone Medical Center, as well as his previous support of the medical institution.

Origins: Edward Merrin and The Merrin Gallery

The full take, in a nutshell, on Edward Merrin's antiquities career — starting with his accidental introduction, to his prolonged success as a world-class art dealer. For a brief look, see the article: Short History of Ed Merrin.

On Ed Merrin's Past

Mr. Merrin has been actively involved with various NGOs and non-profit organizations since very early on in his life, as detailed on LinkedIn: Ed Merrin.

Revisiting African Art at the University of Missouri

2011-01-13T17:33:00.009-05:00

A while back, Edward Merrin presented the University of Missouri's own Museum of Art & Archeology with an African art of the 1900s. While not particularly ancient, it was among an exhibition of African art at the university's museum, which presented quite a few objects of African art. Art to us, that is, as these objects (e.g. masks, figurines, headwear) were used in everyday life. Or in the case of Edward Merrin's gift to the institution, they were most often used as funerary figurines.

Wooden pounders by gift
of Edward Merrin. Credit:
MAA, University of Missouri.

The pair of figures, known as the "Children of Poro", originate with the Senufo people — in this case, the modern-day Côte d'Ivoire. A secret society of people, the Poro used deble like these in various funerary ceremonies, and simply placed them alongside the deceased. In fact, this particular pair is special, and rare, known as pombibele, it depicts the perfect unison of model citizens — who follow tradition and pay homage to the dead.

The pombibele were used to strike the ground at the funerals of their elders — hence the figurines are also called 'pounders'. Similar to the traditions of ancient Egypt, this was done to lubricate the passage of one's spirit into the afterlife, known as the "village of the dead". Although such 'pounding' also provided an accompaniment for the ritual African music and dancers.

You may have noticed that the Edward Merrin blog's domain has changed to edwardmerrin.com, so to all our referrers, we say thank you, and feel free to update your links (but even if you don't, they'll automatically be redirected from edwardmerrin.blogspot.com).

Edward Merrin's Contribution to Medicine

2010-12-24T05:56:00.005-05:00

New York University School of Medicine.

With previous givings to the institution, Edward Merrin will be honored after the first of the year, 2011, for the gift of a chair in medicine at the NYU Langone Medical Center. The recipient of the chair will be announced shortly, and Edward Merrin feels sure that the recipient will be a doctor of renown and "will improve the world".

With a cost of a few million dollars, the chair in medicine will allow the recipient, and all future recipients of it, to have their salaries, secretary, traveling, and other professional necessities paid for. The hospital will use the money in Mr. Merrin's endowment to pay these each year.

The previous Merrin-aided program at the NYULMC was successful, and continues to function today:

In 2003, with generous support from the Merrin Family, we designed, implemented and evaluated a theory-based faculty development program ... to improve the proficiency and quality of bedside teaching in the Department of Medicine/Division of General Internal Medicine. Our intent was and remains, providing patient centered, compassionate care for every patient. This program is led by Drs. Adina Kalet and Mitchell Charap.

In 2006, we initiated the next phase of our program, the two-year Merrin Master Clinician Fellowship Program.

Wishing a Merrin Christmas, and a happy New Year!

The Merrin Gallery & Ancient Art

2010-12-09T08:13:00.003-05:00

A presentation of ancient works featured at The Merrin Gallery in New York City:

More about the video:

Driven and owned by Samuel Merrin, a world-class expert in ancient art, the Merrin Gallery shows exceptional antiquities that represent more than 7,000 years of history.

Founded by Sam's father Edward Merrin, the Merrin Gallery has it's roots in over 50 years of experience with museum-quality antiques.

Tufts University Fund at Record-Low

2010-12-09T07:46:00.002-05:00

Tufts College in 1853.

A recent article in the Boston Business Journal points out that benefactions like Edward Merrin have been significant to Tufts University this year, whose annual gift fund has hit a record-low:

Annual giving for the school fell 6.8 percent to just over $15.8 million in fiscal 2010, Tufts reported in its annual report.

“In spite of a significant drop in the size of the average gift, the alumni donor count grew by 12 percent and leadership donors were steady with fiscal year 2009,” Tufts said in the report.

Tufts said the highlight of the fundraising year was a pledge of $30 million from trustee emeritus Edward Merrin and his wife, Vivian.

Details about Edward Merrin's donation to Tufts were posted earlier, among more information about Edward's work with the Merrin Gallery as well as philanthropy.

Edward Merrin and the Origins of the Gallery

2010-11-22T11:28:00.015-05:00

Edward Merrin's destiny changed on his honeymoon. Taking his bride, Vivian, to Mexico, Edward was introduced to the wonders of pre-Columbian art. At first, he utilized ancient figurines as display props in his family's jewelry store showroom, but eventually, the Edward H. Merrin Gallery was born as an independent business in the mid-1960s. Edward Merrin's voracity, his appreciation for pre-Columbian aesthetics, and his “eye” led to his status as a true connoisseur.

In time, his business came to encompass the ancient art of the Old World, including that of Egypt, the Near East, Greece, Rome, and Western Europe. Working with scholars and curators, Edward Merrin became one of the preeminent dealers in the field. He acquired individual objects and entire collections through outright purchase or consignment. There is scarcely a major museum in this country (and many throughout the world) that has not acquired works at the gallery (now known simply as The Merrin Gallery).

Private collectors in these fields, as well, have been nurtured. The personal connection between dealer and client is a special one. Responding to a client's interests and passions, the dealer is called upon to find that perfect object that will become a part of the client's life. Often, this exploration occurred over a long period of time, as the collector was exposed to myriad choices and came to trust Edward Merrin's taste and expertise.

In addition to being a dealer of renown, Edward also became an expert in the field of appraisals and indemnifications. He advised the IRS on art evaluations and provided assessments for museum indemnifications that facilitated major exhibitions.

Edward Merrin is a past president and founding member of the American Association of Dealers in Ancient, Oriental and Primitive Art. Under his leadership, the Edward H. Merrin Gallery exhibited at the prestigious Winter Antiques Show and the International Art and Antique Dealers Show.

Edward's son, Samuel took over the Merrin Gallery in 1999 and—like father like son—it continues to flourish. Samuel Merrin's passion for art came already from a young age, and has driven him to become an expert in the field of ancient art. Sought after by leading museums, auction houses, private collectors and other organizations—Samuel Merrin continues the legacy of the Merrin Gallery as one of the top galleries in the world specializing in ancient art.

The generational business helps collectors and museums see continuity in the ancient art scene between the two Merrin's, with Samuel sometimes buying back entire collections that his father Edward built throughout the '60s, '70s and '80s.

E. Merrin's Call to Support Tufts University

2010-11-12T12:22:00.004-05:00

Walnut Hill at Tufts in 1910, Credit: Haines Photo Co.

Tufts University is a school with a long history of world-class academia. With it's mind set on the future, Tufts welcomes and thanks donors like Edward Merrin to support it's faculty development, research, as well as financial aid programs for students.

The Merrin family has had a long history at Tufts, and recently Edward Merrin and his wife Vivian also committed a gift hoping to "change the world in some way, even save lives".

Follow here to support or learn more about the Beyond Boundaries campaign for Tufts. Or read how Edward Merrin's gift to Tufts has been significant to Tufts in 2010.

Short History of Edward H. Merrin and Gallery

2010-11-08T13:27:00.016-05:00

Ancient Greek, Roman & Egyptian Masterpieces
by Ed Merrin's gallery.

The story of The Merrin Gallery starts in the '60s when Ed Merrin was first introduced to ancient South American art. Enticed by it's vivid and imaginative forms and colors, Edward began acquiring and selling these pre-Columbian artworks. In due time, he established the Edward H. Merrin Gallery, and broadened the scope to include ancient art from the rest of the world.

Ed Merrin's gallery boasted objects from Classical civilizations such ancient Greece and Rome, as well as Egypt and the Near East.

Regarded by museums and collectors as an expert in these fields, Ed Merrin was frequently asked to identify and classify works for the collections and exhibitions of other museums and institutions. Edward was at the forefront of the gallery's success.

Today, the legacy continues simply as The Merrin Gallery, Inc. Founded in 1987, it is lead by—an authority in ancient and pre-Columbian art much like his father—Samuel Merrin (and owned together with Moshe Bronstein).