“Falernus versus Thor Bräu” (est. 1885)
By Henry (Hy) Mayer (1868-1954)
four examples, all are 5.5 x 7.5 in., ink on heavy paper
Coppola Collection
Hy Mayer was a German-American cartoonist whose work appeared in such publications as Life,Puck, and Judge. Mayer also followed a number of other cartoonists into the burgeoning animation field at the early part of the 20th century. Known for work with a strong line, and seeming caricature attributes throughout, Mayer remains one of the less heralded greats of the early cartoonists.
After working as a magazine illustrator in Munich, Paris (Le Figaro Illustré), and London (Pall Mall Gazette), he emigrated to the United States in 1886. In 1893 he moved to New York, and illustrated a number of children’s books. He was a political cartoonist for the New York Times from 1904, and then in 1914 chief cartoonist of Puck.
From 1909 to 1917 he contributed artwork to early films such as the Universal Animated Weekly newsreel series. He created and directed the original “Travelaughs” series, released through Universal Studios from 1913 to 1920, and the “Such Is Life” series, with titles Such Is Life at a County Fair (1921) and Such Is Life in Munich (1922), released by Film Booking Offices of America from 1920 to 1926. These two short subject film series combined animation with live action film taken in exotic locations. He is credited with directing over 100 short films from 1913 to 1926.
There are no publishing marks that give any substantial clue as to where these four drawings I have saw print. Here what you can see.
They all bear the same numerical stamp: 15036
The few words are all in German.
There are blue pencil Roman numerals on three of the four, also suggesting they were part of the same collection.
Thematically, they are all about wine or beer, and suggest a certain history.
Mayer is associated with the German language story and humor publication “Fliegende Blätter,” which was quite early in his career. So until I hear otherwise, this is when I am placing them.
An Egyptian-looking fellow mixes an elixir.
The Cyclops is drinking from the wineskin (provided by Odysseus and handled by Selinus, father of the Satyrs)
Thor Bräu (a famous beer in Germany) stabs at the king of Italian wine, Falernus.
The heavens are celebrating beer with flying steins and horn-playing nymphs.