Constant Mayer (French-American, 1829-1911), First Grief

oil on canvas, 1885, signed at upper left, dated at upper right, presented in a later gilt frame with brass gallery plaque.
Stretcher size 38 1/2 x 28 1/4 in.; Frame dimensions 46 1/2 x 36 1/2 in.
Born in Besançon, France, Constant Mayer studied at the École des Beaux Arts and with Léon Cogniet in Paris. In 1847, he immigrated to the United States and settled in New York City. He was elected an associate member of the National Academy of Design, a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor and was also a member of the American Art Union. He exhibited frequently at the Paris Salon, as well as numerous venues in the United States. Mayer was best known for his portraits, genre and historical scenes; many of which were engraved and published for a larger audience.

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Tear to canvas at proper left of sitter's head near chair crest; stable minor craquelure; faint stretcher marks; canvas in need of re-stretching; minor rubbing to frame.