Meyer (family of bronze casters) explained

The family name Meyer (also Meijer, Meier, Maier) stands for a dynasty of bronze casters of German origin, documented between the late 16th and the end of the 18th century, active in Copenhagen, Florence, Helsingør, Riga, Stockholm and Tallinn. They were predominantly cannon and bell casters and occasionally statue casters. Over generations they were casters to the City of Riga and to the King of Sweden mainly in Stockholm. Following the tradition of the journeyman years, members of this bronze-casting dynasty had to travel to complete their training before becoming Masters. Since the Middle Ages, bronze casters were highly skilled craftsmen who were very sought after and thus often travelled very long distances across Europe and beyond to where their technical expertise was sought. Courts typically competed to secure the services of the best casters.

A North-German origin of the Meyer family is most likely. Hans Meyer, member of the first known generation of this family, had relations to Lübeck, an important Hanseatic city with long tradition in metal casting. He himself wrote in Low-German, as is customary in Northern Germany.[1] It is possible that he was related to another Hans Meyer, "by der Trave", who was the son-in-law of Lübeck's foremost caster Karsten Middeldorp (+1561).[2] The misreading of a cannon's inscription led in the past to the false assumption that the Meyer family were of Nuremberg origin.[3] The German origin is stated on the epitaph of the Swedish branch of the Meyer family in the Klara Church in Stockholm (“Origine Germano”), erected in 1761.[4]

There are many pieces preserved cast by members of the Meyer family, documented or signed. Signatures have sometimes led to confusion since given names, as per common practice at the time, were repeatedly used in the family. Over six generations, seven Gerhardt (Gärdt, Gerdt, Gert, Gertts, Gerhard) and eight Johann (Hans) are known. Sometimes these have been mixed up in the literature.[5]

The confusion is made more challenging as different members of the family used the same signature, often punched with the same set of punches, which were passed on over generations. As was customary for their profession, bronze casters of the Meyer family throughout all generations signed their casts using the traditional formula which let the piece itself speak: either in Latin "Me fecit…" (I was made by...) or German "mich goß…" (I was cast by...).[6] On many casts made by members of the Meyer family the signature was made with punches. Over generations, casts dating from the late 16th to the mid-18th century were marked with the same set of punches. As was standard practise, they did note use the punches for marking bells. As some of these letter punches were gradually worn, single letters or numbers were replaced over time.

The two earliest known casters of this dynasty are Johann (I), who died 1610, and Gerhardt (I). The latter, coming from Stockholm, briefly joined Johann (I) in his workshop in Riga in 1596 before moving on to Italy. It is not certain how they were related.

State of research

Most of the literature dealing with history and oeuvre of the Meyer family has a local context. Their activity in Riga was part of a vast research by the Latvian architect Paul Campe (1885-1960) who first published his results in a comprehensive publication in 1930. His unpublished material about the subject is preserved in Marburg (DSHI). He also contributed the basic articles in Thieme-Becker. Information about the family members active in Stockholm is given in Nordisk Familjebook 1904–26, Vol. XIII, 1290, Svenska Konstnärer o.J. (1955), 257, and Svenskt Konstnärslexikon o.J. [1961], Vol. IV, 118. In these contributions the connections between the branches of the family active in various places have not been sufficiently understood. Extensive research of the related archival material mainly in Latvia and Sweden has recently increased the basic knowledge about the Meyer family. The chronology is based on a family tree covering the time from 1582 to 1797 published by A. Rudigier and B. Truyols in 2019.

Family workshops and their masters

Riga

Johann (I)

Johann (I), also called Hans, died in 1610. He must have spent time, possibly part of his journeyman years, in Lübeck. This can be derived from a dispute he had with the guild in Lübeck, when he was already in Riga. The guild accused him of having poached assistants from his colleagues there.[7] He seems to have been for some time in military service as in the abovementioned dispute his first wife was pejoratively referred to as a soldiers’ moll (öffentliche Haerhure).[8] The high-tech knowledge and skill of cannon-casters was constantly needed in the army. After years of travel in military service Hans Meyer came to Riga, at the time a German-speaking town, to become assistant to the caster to the City Michel Baier. Before 1582 he took over Baier's workshop and was appointed his successor in 1585.[9] Meyer was in permanent scuffle with the Riga guild and became a member only in 1594.[10] The inscription on a bell he made for St. Peter's church in 1585 is a testimony of this difficult circumstances: "In Gottes Namen hat mich Hans Meyer gegossen, das hat manigen verdrose" (In the Name of God Hans Meyer cast me, which did annoy some people).[11] Hans died in 1610.[12] He left behind his second wife Catarina Bordinck and at least three underage children.[13] Catarina continued to run the workshop until around 1612 when it was taken over by Medardus Gessus (Gesus, Gisus) from Constance whom she possibly married.[14] Hans Meyer is said to have been the best caster ever active in Latvia.[15] Some of his cannons (called “Buchse” in 16th century German) are still preserved.[16]

Georg

Georg, also called Jürgen or Gorgen, died in 1657. He was son of Johann (I) and may have learned in 1610, still underaged, under his father's successor, the itinerant caster Medardus Gessus. Georg himself became caster to the City of Riga in 1627 after master Medardus, possibly his stepfather, had left Riga for Stockholm in 1623. Four years later, in 1631, he was awarded citizenship.[17] He died before November 23, 1657, and left behind a wife Anna Bruens (died after 1663) and a son named Johann, whose profession is unknown.[18]

Gerhardt (III)

Gerhardt (III) lived from 1644 until 1701. As the son of Gerhardt (II) and Georg's nephew, he was born in Stockholm in 1644.[19] Joining his father's and his uncle's business, he was active first in Tallinn and then in Riga where he was appointed caster to the City in 1671, a position that he held until his death.[20] In 1677 he was awarded citizenship of Riga[21] but remained a lifelong member of the Stockholm guild, which at times caused conflicts given his public position.[22] Gerhardt (III) succeeded in casting bells and cannons. The number of 36 ordnances and 35 church bells preserved, testify his vast production. With his death in 1701[23] the activity of the Meyer family in Riga seems to have ended. Nothing is known about his son Gerhardt (V), born in 1682.

Helsingör - Copenhagen

Johann (II)

Johann (II) died in 1669. He was son of Johann (I)) and, like his siblings, underage in 1610, the year of his father's death.[24] He must have received part of his formation like his brothers Georg and Gerhardt from Medardus Gessus. In 1637 he was appointed head of the Royal Danish foundry in Helsingör[25] with the salary paid out of the Öresund toll.[26] In 1640 he took over this foundry and became independent, losing the privilege of casting cannons which was restricted to foundries which were under direct control of the state.[27] Over 20 church bells cast by him are known today. One of his bells, made for Kronborg Castle, was the biggest bell cast in Denmark until then.[28] In 1655 he was appointed head of the Royal foundry in Copenhagen, with casting guns as his primarily occupation.[29] At this time cannon production in three important places of the Baltic, Copenhagen, Riga and Stockholm, were in the hands of the three sons of Johann (I) Meyer. The difficult economic situation due to King Christian IV's unsuccessful military enterprises brought loss of production in the years 1657–60.[30] Johann (II) held his position until his death in 1669.[31] Among the children he had with his Danish wife Sophia was Hans (Johann) born in 1645.[32] His godfather was Claus van Damm of a Hamburg-based family of casters and Johann (I)’s predecessor as head of the Copenhagen foundry.[33]

Stockholm

Gerhardt (I)

The first member of the Meyer family linked with the Swedish capital is Gerhardt (I): "Me fecit Gerhardt Meyer Holmiae" – Holmia is the Latin name for Stockholm – is the caster's signature on a bronze sculpture of a Bathing Venus (1597).[34] In the years 1592-1595 a Gärt (Gerhardt) Meyer is documented in Stockholm.[35] He seems to have left the Swedish capital in 1596 by moving to Riga, where he was briefly active in Hans Meyer's workshop. Hans and Gerhardt must have been close relatives. Under Hans Meyer as head of the foundry, Gerhardt must have cast the monumental candelabrum for St. Peter's church.[36] The next year he appears in Florence where he cast the Bathing Venus for Giambologna, court sculptor of the Medici. In Florence he appears to have joined the German speaking community, which gathered in the Compagnia di Santa Barbara, a religious brotherhood.[37] In their documents a "Gherardo fiammingho" is mentioned shortly after the cast of the Venus. Thanks to the reuse of his set of punches by later generations of his family one can assume that Gerhardt (I) returned to Sweden at some point. He could be identical with a homonymous goldsmith (Giert Meyer), active in Stockholm between 1626 and 1631.[38] This goldsmith Meyer was a protégé of Erich Larsson von der Linde, future father-in-law of Gerhardt (II).[39] At the time it was not unusual for trained goldsmiths to be active in the challenging bronze-casting of monumental figures: Benvenuto Cellini and Balthazar Keller are two famous examples.

Gerhardt (II)

Gerhard (II), also known as Gert, died in 1655. A permanent activity in Stockholm started with him, a son of Johann (I). Born in Riga and at his father's death in 1610 still underaged,[40] he got his formation by his master (and possibly stepfather[41]) Medardus Gessus. In 1621 Riga was conquered by the Swedes and in 1623 Gessus was appointed head of the Royal cannon foundry in the Swedish capital. Gerhardt is mentioned amongst Gessus’ assistants in the same year.[42] He later became the leading bronze caster to the Swedish Crown. The challenging industry of bronze cannons (in 17th century Swedish called "Stycke") was one of the key military tasks at the time. Meyer established well in his new homeland, in 1635 he married Maria von der Linde,[43] daughter of Erich Larsson von der Linde, one of the richest merchants in town. Gerhardt (II) owned a house in the city and had his own seat in the German Church, Stockholm St. Gertrud's.[44] He made proposals to Queen Christina to improve the founding industry.[45] In 1641 he was appointed head of the Royal foundry by the Queen.[46] On this occasion the old foundry in Brunkeberg near St. Klara church was rebuilt in order to provide the master with a modern workshop.[47] Unlike his predecessors as founders of the King of Sweden, Gerhardt owned the foundry.[48] Besides cannon-casting, bell-casting was an important source of income, particularly in times when there was little need for artillery. The king passed a decree to allow his cannon casters to cast bells.[49] In 1655 Meyer was granted the permission to cast not only for the Crown but also for important aristocrats.[50] He was rich enough to rebuild the foundry at his own expense after it was destroyed by fire.[51] In 1647 he executed the bronze cast of a man wielding a whip for the pillory on Stortorget square, the so-called "Kopparmatte" after a model by the German “bilthacker” (wood sculptor)[52] Jost Henne or Martin Redtmer.[53] This was the first bronze statue ever cast in Sweden; today it is in the collection of the Stockholm Stadtsmuseet. Gerhardt (II) died in 1655.[54] His wife Maria got permission to carry on with the workshop.[55]

Johann (IV)

Johann (IV) lived – 1679. As a son of Gerhardt (II) he was born circa 1636.[56] He received his privilege as caster to the crown in 1655, the year of his father's death.[57] In 1658 he became liveryman of the Stockholm guild and from 1666 he was head of the Royal foundry.[58] He is said to have been active as gun and bell caster in Sweden as well as in Finland,[59] where seven of his bells are known.[60] Only few of his cannons are preserved, all made between 1665 and 1677. As was already granted to his father, Johann was also permitted to work for Swedish aristocrats like Magnus de la Gardie.[61] After his death in 1679 the workshop was continued by his widow[62] Maria Köpke, who then ran the business together with her second husband Michael Bader from Vilnius.[63]

Gerhardt (IV)

Gerhardt (IV) lived from 1667 until 1710. As a son of Johann (IV) he was born in 1667.[64] He got his formation in his father's and in his stepfather's workshop before travelling as a journeyman to Germany to continue his training.[65] Business had become tough by then. Whereas Gerhardt's ancestors and predecessors in charge of the Royal foundry had their major commissions due to the modernisation of Swedish artillery, it seems that the implementation of modern cannon types had been mostly completed at the time.[66] Furthermore, there was in Sweden a notorious lack of copper since the 1640s, severely restricting the production of cannons.[67] Yet, the king's ambitious plans for the embellishment of the new residence opened new fields of activity. Since 1693 there were ongoing construction works for a new Royal Stockholm Palace after the plans by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger. For that purpose, a whole team of French artists and artisans came over the following years to Stockholm, including the French caster Jean Hubeault who made ornamental casts for the decoration of the palace.[68] It was planned to decorate the new palace with monumental bronze sculptures. Casting bronze sculptures was a task so far unknown in Sweden. The only exception had been the above-mentioned Kopparmatte, which from a technical point of view is merely a rather rudimentary achievement. In January 1693 Meyer asked the king for permission and support to travel to France in order to improve his skills and to learn the French practises in figure-casting.[69] The request was granted to him and in July 1693 he left Stockholm for an apprenticeship at Jean-Balthazar Keller (1638-1702), who at the time was caster to Louis XIV in Paris.[70] Only two months later, in September 1693, Gerhardt's stepfather Michael Bader died,[71] which would have required his return to Stockholm. As the Swedish king guaranteed that the foundry would remain in the family's hands, Meyer delayed his return to Stockholm until July 1694.[72] Keller was displeased with Meyer who not only wanted to leave his master before but also tried to take two of his assistants with him to Sweden.[73] In 1695, back in Sweden, he became liveryman of the Stockholm guild,[74] head of the Royal foundry[75] and married in the very same year Catharina Kammecker. Soon after Meyer wrote to the king offering to cast "large metal statues and other decorations" as well as iron "stoves", works which Meyer pretended to be able to execute thanks to his French experiences.[76] He requested to the Royal artillery department (War College) permission to be also allowed to cast portrait busts, statues and other kind of works in order to secure the financial success of his workshop.[77] Nicodemus Tessin distrusted Meyer and investigated with Keller in Paris about his former apprentice and his capacities in figure-casting. Keller reported that Meyer – during his relatively short stay – only attended the final steps of the cast of an equestrian statuette and that he lacked knowledge about the decisive preparatory steps in casting such as making the core investment, building armature or melting the wax.[78] In comparison to the cast of a statuette the cast of a monumental bronze sculpture is by far more challenging. In the words of the Swedish envoy in Paris, Daniel Cronström, Meyer would not be capable of carrying out a large-size figure cast (“grande ouvrage”) without help.[79] As a result of this enquiries, the French caster François Aubry was hired from Paris to cast the sculptures for the Royal palace. He arrived in Stockholm in May 1697.[80] There is no evidence that Gerhardt (IV) did ever cast a figure.

There has been an attempt to attribute the cast of Giambologna's Bathing Venus of 1597 to Gerhardt (IV).[81] However, the date 1597 on the Venus is paleographically undoubtable. Nonetheless, it has been argued, that the 5 in the date of Gerhardt I's signature would originally have been, on the casting model, a 6 which did transform itself during the casting process accidentally into a 5. Therefore, the date should be interpreted as 1697 enabling the attribution of the cast to Gerhardt (IV).[82] This assumption has been disproved on technical grounds[83] and is contradicted by natural scientific evidence, which excludes a casting date after 1648 with a probability of 99.75%.[84] Today some cannons and a large number of church bells cast by Gerhardt (IV) are preserved. He and three of his children died in the plague of 1710.[85] His widow ran the business after her husband's untimely death.[86]

Gerhardt (VI)

Gerhardt (VI) lived from 1704 until 1784. As a son of Gerhardt (IV) he was in 1720, ten years after his father's death, at the age of sixteen already appointed Royal cannon caster by King Frederic I.[87] He moved to Uppsala and in 1724 he started a three-year journey through Europe, where he was an apprentice in foundries in Germany (possibly in Nuremberg),[88] Switzerland, France, The Netherlands and England. After his return to Stockholm he became head of the Royal foundry in 1728, following his father and his grandfather. His main business must have been bell-casting, as in Finland alone 47 bells of his hand are preserved.[89] Besides, he made bronze casts after models of the leading French artists of the time: busts of the Swedish Kings Charles XII (1747/48)[90] and Adolf Frederick (1749/51)[91] after Jacques-Philippe Bouchardon as well as puttoes and ornamental shields for the staircase of the Royal Palace.[92] He cast the monuments of King Gustav Wasa in 1770 (Stockholm, Riddarhus Square) after a model by Pierre Hubert L'Archevêque and in 1779 the equestrian monument of King Gustav Adolf (Stockholm, Gustav Adolfs square), after models by L'Archevêque and Johan Tobias Sergel. The latter was the first equestrian monument made in Sweden. He also cast in lead the medallions and trophies of the West- and South façade of the Royal Castle, and, in Riddarholmen Church, the pulpit and parts of the decorations of the Royal Burial Chapel. He was innovative in techniques of casting guns and in developing fire hoses. He opened further workshops in Akers and Stafsjö.[93] In 1756 Gerhardt (VI) sold the family foundry to the crown[94] by remaining its director until his retirement in 1772.[95] He became member of the Royal Academy of Science and was raised to the peerage in 1775.

Gerhardt (VII)

Gerhardt (VII) lived from 1728 until 1797; he was a son of Gerhardt (VI). In 1772 he followed his father in the position of a Royal cannon caster, but also bells made by him are known.[96] In 1794 the crown ordered the closing of the foundry because of their outdated equipment, and its relocation to Marieberg.[97] With Gerhardt's death in 1797, over six generations and more than 200 years of activity of the Meyer dynasty of bronze casters ended.

Selection of bells, cannons and other objects cast by members of the Meyer family

Rigan Branch
Object[98] Name of the casterYear of production[99] Inscription[100] Actual or former location[101] Printed and archival sources
CannonJohann Iafter 1583m. hans meierFormerly? St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsN. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 53 Dedicated to Jan Zamoyski (1542-1605), counsellor to Stephan Bátory.
BellJohann I1585"…IN GOTTES NAMEN HAT MICH HANS MEYER GEGOSSEN, DAS HAT MANIGEN VERDROSEN. ANO 85"Formerly Riga, St. Peter's church [Petrikirche], loss of war 1915P. Campe 1930, p. 88 Nr. 48.
Cannon (21-pounder) "Mars"Johann I1586MARS*KINDER*SIN*KURTZ VND*BEHEND*IHR*ANSLACH IS* THO*DEM*KRIGE*GEWEIHT/IN*GOTTES*NAMEN*BIN*ICH GEFLOSSEN*HANS*MEIER*HAT MICH*GOSSEN*1586Since 1837 St. Petersburg, Military-Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsFormerly Riga, "Scheerbastion"J. C. Brotze 8; N. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 50, cf. A.A. 1838a.
BellJohann I1586"…ANN 1586 DIE 23 MESIS IVLI GOS MICH HANS MEIER"Umurga (LV) [Ubbenorm]P. Campe 1930, p. 89 Nr. 49.
37-pounder "Samson der Starke"Johann I or Hans Skotte1587SAMPSON DE STARCKE BIN ICK GYNANT DEN HERRN THO RIGE SI ICK WOL VORWANDT/ALLE GODTLOSEN SCHOLEN WIKEN VAN MI EDER ICK WIL SE THORITEN WAT AKKE ERERSI...verbum domini manet in eternumSt. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal Corps,Formerly Riga, fortress.N. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. 54; Cf. M. Thiel 1827 and A. Anteins 1988, p. 75.
Cannon "Johannes"Johann I1600"JOHANNES IST DER VIERD UND LEZT, WIDER DIE KETZER THUT DAS BEST, DEM ADLER GLEICH FLEUCH ICH GAR SNEL, BESCHIRM MIT GODT STADT MAUR UND WAELL. GOS MICH HANS MEIER ZU RIGA 1600"Riga, Museum of History and Navigation, Cloister, Nr. 24P. Campe 1930, p. 33; Dommuseum Riga 1911, p. 63.
Cannon (12-pounder) "Saturnus"Johann I1600SATVURNUS*HEIS*ICH*DIE KINDER*BEIS*ICH*DIE FESTVUNG*STURM*ICH MEIN*NEST*VORBIT*ICH GOS*MICH*HANS*MEYER ZU RIGA*1*6*0*0Riga, Museum of History and Navigation, cloister, Nr. 35. Formerly St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal Corps. Formerly Riga, "Scheerbastion"J. C. Brotze p. 7; N. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 52, A.A. 1838b.
Cannon (23-pounder) "Mercur"Johann I1601MERCURII DER KAUFLEUT GOTT VNDT DAN DER GOTTER SNELLER BOTT DEN NAMEN ICH HAB VND THUE HARTT SHIESSEN DARZV HANS MEIER MICH THET GIESSEN ANNO MDCIRiga, Museum of History and Navigation, cloister, Nr. 9b (12). Formerly St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal Corps. Formerly Riga, "Sandbastion"J. C. Brotze p. 15; N. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 55; A.A. 1838b.
BellJohann I1605"…Matthies am XXII. Gos mich Hans Meier zv Riga anno 1605" [=21.9.1605]Jelgava (LV) [Mitau], St. Ann's church [Annenkirche]P. Campe 1930 p. 96 Nr. 74.
BellJohann I1606“…gos mich Hans Meier zu Riga 1606”Bauska (LV) [Bauske] P. Campe 1930, p. 96 Nr. 75
BellJohann I1607“mich goss Hans Meier Riga 1607”Sloka (LV) [Schlock]P. Campe 1930, p. 96 Nr. 76.
Cannon (4-pounder) „Kranich“Johann I1609DER WACHTENDE KRANICH BINICH GEHEISEN HALTE MEINEWACHT SVUNDER VORDRIESENALBRECHT BETKEN DER ALTEIN SEINER LETZ HADT MICHGESETZ AVF DER NEWPFORTENALHIR ZVM SCHILTWECHTERVORERET VUNDT BESTELT ZVVORTETIGEN DANIT STADT VNDTVELT ANO 1606 DEN 21 MERTZ SEIN LEBENT GESLOSSEN ANO1609 DEN 26 IVLY HADT MICH HANS MEIER GEGOSSEN ZV RIGASt. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsFormerly Riga, ArsenalJ. C. Brotze; N. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 56; A. Anteins 1988, p. 71; For the transcription cf. Rigaische Stadtblätter 1827, p. 415, and A.A. 1838b. Donated by Albrecht Betken and Anna vom Damme.
BellGeorg 1626„von Meyer in Riga gegossen“Tallinn (EE), St. Olai church H. W. J. Rickers 1820, p. 17 and A.A. 1836, p. 456. Donated by Jacob de la Gardie.
CannonGeorg1627MIT GOTTES HILF GOSS MICH GORGEN MEIER ZV RIGA ANNO 1627(Formerly?) St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsN. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 58.
BellGeorg1641WAN D´UHR NICHT NACH DER SONNEN GANGALL STUNDEN RECHT GIEBT IHREN KLANG+DIE GANTZE STATT NICHT OHN VERDRUSNACH EINEM NARREN SICH RICHTEN MUSS+MIDT GOTTES HILF GOSS MICH GORGEN MEYER ZV RIGA ANNO MDCXLIFormerly Riga, St. Peter's church [Petrikirche], loss of war 1941P. Campe 1930, 100 Nr. 98; P. Arends 1944, p. 50; J. K. Broce 1776–1818, p. 67;Rigasche Stadtblätter 1825, Nr. 28.
CannonGeorg1650LAS ANDERE BAVWEN AUVFF WAFFEN VND WEHR/GOTT WOLLEN WIR TRAVWEN SO SIEGEN WIR MEHR/MIT GOTTES HILF GOS MICH GEORGEN MEYER ZV RIGA 1650St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsN. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 59.
BellsGerhardt III1670-71Tallinn (EE), St. Olai churchDSHI 100 Campe 028,1; Cf. G. Jensch 1930, p. 166, note 189.
CannonGerhardt III1672ANNO 1672Riga, Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, cloister, Nr. 18A. Anteins 1988, p. 72.
CannonGerhardt III1672ME FECIT GERHARD MEYER IN RIGA ANNO 1672Riga, National History Museum of LatviaFormerly St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsN. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 63; A. Anteins 1988, p. 72.
BellGerhardt III1673Soli Deo Gloria Riga anno 1673 Gerh. MeyerJaunpils (LV) [Neuenburg]P. Campe 1930, p. 108 Nr. 144.
BellGerhardt III1673Me fecit Gerhardt Meyer Riga 1673Ädazi (LV) [Neuermühlen]P. Campe 1930, p. 108 Nr. 145.
BellGerhardt III1673Soli Deo Gloria Gerhardt Meyer in Riga 1673 me fecitZemite (LV) [Samiten]P. Campe 1930, p. 108 Nr. 146.
Cannon (12-pounder)Gerhardt III1675DURCH DAS FEIWER BIN ICH/ GEFLOSSEN GERHARDT MEYER/ IN RIGA HAT MICH GEGOSSEN/ ANNO 1675Riga, Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, cloister, Nr. 20Formerly St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsN. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 65; Cf. A.A. 1838b; A. Anteins 1988, p. 72.
MortarGerhardt III1675DURCH DAS FEIWER BIN/ ICH GEFLOSSEN GERHART/ MEYER IN RIGA HAT MICH/ GEGOSSEN ANNO 1675Formerly (?) St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsN. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 80.
CannonGerhardt III1675ME FECIT GER/HART MEYER/IN RIGA ANNO/1675Formerly (?) St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsN. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 64.
BellGerhardt III1675ME FECIT GERHARD MEYER IN RIGA. 1675Araizi (LV) [Arrasch]P. Campe 1930, p. 108, Nr. 147; J. K. Broce 1776–1818, p. 70.
BellGerhardt III1675GEDEIEN GAB DAS HÖCHSTE GUTH. DURCH KÜNSTLERS HAND UND FEUERS GLUTH. BIN ICH ZU DER GESTALT GERATEN. UND PREISE GOTTES WUNDERTATEN. GERHARDT MEYER ME FECIT RIGARiga, CathedralP. Campe 1930, p. 108 Nr. 149.
BellGerhardt IIIbetween 1675 and 1686“Me Fecit Gerhard Meyer in Riga Anno 16”Riga, St. Jacob's churchP. Campe 1930, p. 108 Nr. 150.
MortarGerhardt III1676GERHARD MEYER ME FECIT RIGAE ANNO 1676 Riga, Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, cloister, Nr. 33 (38)J. C. Brotze Nr. 16 cited after DSHI 100 Campe 028,1; A. Anteins 1988, p. 72.
CannonGerhardt III1676ME FECIT GERHARDT/MEYER IN RIGA/ANNO 1676Formerly (?) St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsN. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 66.
MortarGerhardt III1676ME FECIT GERHARDT/MEYER IN RIGA/ANNO 1676Formerly (?) St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsN. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 81.
BellGerhardt IIIbetween 1677 and 1680“St. Paulus, Gerhardt Meyer Riga”unknownP. Campe 1930, p. 110, Nr. 153.
BellGerhardt IIIbetween 1677 and 1680“St. Matthie, Gerhard Meyer Riga”unknownP. Campe 1930, p. 110, Nr. 154.
BellGerhardt IIIbetween 1677 and 1680“Gerhardt Meyer in Riga”unknownP. Campe 1930, p. 110, Nr. 155.
BellGerhardt III1678Salvator Mundi.....Durchs Feuer bin ich geflossen [Gerhardt] Meyer hat mich gegossenFormerly Riga, St. Peter's church [Petrikirche], lost in the fire of 1721P. Campe 1930, p. 110, Nr. 156.
BellGerhardt III1680“Me fecit Gerhardt Meyer in Riga…”Viesiena (LV) [Weesen]P. Campe 1930, p. 111, Nr. 160.
BellGerhardt III1680“Me fecit Gerhardt Meyer in Riga 1680”unknownP. Campe 1930, p. 112, Nr. 162.
BellGerhardt III1680Gerhardt Meyer in RigaunknownP. Campe 1930, p. 112, Nr. 163.
BellGerhardt III1681“…Me fecit Gerhardt Meyer in Riga anno 1681”Irbe (LV) [Irben]P. Campe 1930, p. 112, Nr. 166.
CannonGerhardt III1681ME FECIT GER/HARDT MEYER/IN RIGA ANNO/1681Formerly (?) St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsN. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 67.
BellGerhardt III1682“ME FECIT GERHARD MEYER IN RIGA ANNO 1682…”Araizi (LV) [Arrasch]P. Campe 1930, p. 112, Nr. 168.
BellGerhardt III1683“…Me fecit Gerhardt Meyer in Riga” Jaunsubatha (LV) [Neu-Subbath]P. Campe 1930, p. 114, Nr. 169.
BellGerhardt III1683“…Me fecit Gerhardt Meyer Rigae Anno 1683”Skaistkaine (LV) [Schönberg]P. Campe 1930, p. 114, Nr. 170.
BellGerhardt III1683“Me fecit Gerhardt Meyer in Riga 1683…”Livberze (LV) [Liven-Bersen]P. Campe 1930, p. 114, Nr. 171.
BellGerhardt III1684“Me fecit Gerhardt Meyer in Riga”Lielstraupe (LV) [Gross-Roop]P. Campe 1930, p. 114, Nr. 173.
BellGerhardt III1686“…Me fecit Gerhardt Meyer in Riga Anno 1686”Ile (LV) [Ihlen]P. Campe 1930, p. 115, Nr. 180.
BellGerhardt III1687A: 1687 ME FECIT GERHARD MEYER IN RIGAunknownJ. K. Broce 1776–1818, I, p. 70.
Cannon (45-pounder) “Rigasche Löwe” Gerhardt III1687IN/ TANTAM MOLEM/ FORMATUM IN FORME/METALLUM/NOMEN RIGENSIS/ JURE LEONIS HABET/PRO RIGA RUGIAT FUN/DATQUE HOSTILIA/ CASTRA/PATRIBUS ET PATRI/AE SYMPATRIOTA VOVET/GERHARDT MEYER/ ME FECIT/ RIGAE /ANNO 1687.St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal Corps Formerly Riga, SandbastionN. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 68; A. Anteins 1988, p. 72; Cf. J. C. Brotze Nr. 14 cited after DSHI 100 Campe 028,1 and W. Baum 1910.
BellGerhardt III1687“…Anno Christi MDCLXXXIIIX Gloria in excelsis Deo me fundebat Gerhard Meyer in Riga”Berzaune (LV) [Bersohn]P. Campe 1930, p. 116, Nr. 184.
12-pounderGerhardt III1688SO.WIR.GOTT.BEHERTZVETRAUEN. FESTBLITZEND.KAMPFENWIR.AUFS.ALLERBESTME FECIT GERHARD MEYER. IN. RIGA.ANNO 1688Riga, Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, cloister, Nr. 25Formerly St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsFormerly Riga, town bastionsN. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 69; Cf.. A.A. 1838b; J. C. Brotze Nr. 5 cited after DSHI 100 Campe 028,1.
MortarGerhardt III1690ME FECIT GERHARDT/ MEYER IN RIGA/ANNO 1690St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsN. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 92; A. Anteins 1988, p. 72.
BellGerhardt III1690“…fecit Gerhard Meyer in Riga 1690”Penkule (LV) [Pankelhof]P. Campe 1930, p. 116, Nr. 186.
BellGerhardt III1690“…fecit Gerhard Meyer 1690”Penkule (LV) [Pankelhof]P. Campe 1930, p. 116, Nr. 187.
BellGerhardt III1690“Omnia ad maiorem Dei gloriam B.M.Vir. Honorem Gerhardt Meyer Rigae anno 1690”Skaistkaine (LV) [Schönberg]P. Campe 1930, p. 116, Nr. 189.
BellGerhardt III1691Ikšķile (LV) [Uxküll]DSHI 100 Campe 028,1.
MortarGerhardt III1692ME FECIT GER/HARD MEYER IN/RIGA ANNO 1692Riga, Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, cloister, Nr. 32 (37)Formerly St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsN. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 83.
Two hauwitzersGerhardt III1692ME FECIT GERHARD MEYER IN RIGA ANNO 1692St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsFormerly Riga, ArsenalJ. C. Brotze Nr. 25, 26 cited after DSHI 100 Campe 028,1; N. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 86; Cf. A. Anteins 1988, p. 72.
BellGerhardt III1692“…ME FECIT GER [hardt Meyer] IN RIGA 1692”Kuldiga (LV) [Goldingen], St. Catherin's church [Katharinenkirche]P. Campe 1930, p. 117, Nr. 190.
BellGerhardt III1693Gerhardt MeyerRiga, St. John's church [Johanniskirche] (loss of war 1915)P. Campe 1930, p. 117, Nr. 191.
BellGerhardt III1694“…Me fecit Gerhard Meyer in Riga den 4. April”Grieze (LV) [Grösen]P. Campe 1930, p. 117, Nr. 194.
BellGerhardt III1695ICH BIN ZU GOTTES I IN DIESE FORM GEBRACHTICH REGE WENN ICH SCHLAG DIE OHREN UND DIE HERTZENWIE STETS BEI MEINEM KLANG SEIN END MIT FLEISS BETRACHTWIRD SEINER SEELEN HEIL UND WOLFAHRT NICHT VERSCHERZENME FECIT GERHARDUS MEYER IN RIGA ANNO 1695Riga, St. Peter's church [Petrikriche], (lost in the fire of 1721)P. Campe 1930, p. 117, Nr. 195; J. K. Broce 1776–1818, I, 68b.
3-pounderGerhardt III1695ME FECIT GERHARD MEYER IN RIGA ANNO 1695Formerly (?) St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsFormerly Riga, arsenalJ. C. Brotze Nr. 24 cited after DSHI 100 Campe 028,1; N. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 70.
Cannon or mortarGerhardt III1696GERHARDT MEYER/ME FECIT RIGAE/ANNO 1696Formerly (?) St. Petersburg, Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal CorpsN. E. Brandenburg 1889, Cat. Nr. 71.
BellGerhardt III1696“…DURCH DAS FEWR BIN ICH GEFLOSSEN/GERHARD MEYER AVS RIGA HAT MICH IN MYTAV GEGOSSEN”Jelgava (LV) [Mitau], St. TrinitatisJ. Döring 1868; P. Campe 1930, p. 118, Nr. 200.
BellGerhardt III1698“Omnia ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam BM. Vir Honorem Anno 1698 Gerhard Meyer me fecit Riga”unknownP. Campe 1930, p. 120, Nr. 204.
BellGerhardt III1698“Omnia ad maiorem Dei Gloria B. M. Vir Honorem anno 1698 Gerhardt Meyer me fecit Rigae”Skaistkaine (LV) [Schönberg]P. Campe 1930, p. 120, Nr. 204.
BellGerhardt III1699“…Gerhard Mever me fecit Riga anno 1699”Grieze (LV) [Grösen] P. Campe 1930, p. 120, Nr. 209.
BellGerhardt III1700“…Gerhard Meyer me fecit Riga anno 1700”unknownP. Campe 1930, p. 121, Nr. 214.
Danish Branch
ObjectName of the casterYear of productionInscriptionActual or former locationPrinted and archival sources
BellJohann II1639"AVS DEM FEVER BIN ICH GEFLOSSEN, M. HANS MEYER IHR KÖNIGL. MAJESTÄT STÜCK- UND KLOCKEN GIESER IHM HELSINGØR HAT MICH GEGOSSEN ANNO 1639. SOLI DEO GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO..." Kronborg, SlotskirkeL. Hvass, T. Bill-Jessen 2011, p. 181.
Twelve bellsJohann II1639unknownOrdered for Glückstadt. L. Hvass, T. Bill-Jessen 2011, p. 182.
BellJohann II1641SOLI DEO GLORIA IN EXCELCIS DEO. AUS DEM FEUER BIN ICH GEFLOSSEN HANS MEYR IN HELSINGÖER HAT MICH GEGOS SEN. ANNO 1641 Annisse (Holbo Herred) (DK)E. Gribsø 1934, p. 62.
BellJohann II1641SOLI DEO GLORIA DEO IN EXCELSIS. ME FECIT HANS MEYER IN HELSINGØR AO. 1641Ølstykke (Ølstykke Herred) (DK)E. Gribsø 1934, p. 111.
BellJohann II1644ANNO 1644 ER DENNE KLOCKE BEKOSTET TIL GRAESE KIRCKE YNDER VOR NÅDIGSTE KONNIG CHRISTIAN: DEN 4. WELB. HANS VLDERICH GYLDENLOVE SLODT H. OFFVER KRONBORG OC FRIDERICHSB H. SØFREN: OLVFSØN SOGNEP. TIL GRAESE OC SIERSLØF. MADTS LAVRITZØN KIRCKE VERGE. AVS DEN FEYIER BIN ICH GEFLOSEN M. HANS MEYER IN HELSCHENOR HAT MICH GEGOSSEN. SOLI DEO GLORIA IN EXCELCIS DEOGræse (Lynge-Frederiksborg Herred) (DK)E. Gribsø 1934, p. 75.
BellJohann II1644ANNO 1644 SUBIMPERIO REGIS CLEMENTISSIMI CHRISTIANI 4, PRÆSIDE REGIO IOHANNE ULDRICH GYLDENLØVE, PASTORE PETRO JACOBI BIRCH HÆC CAMPANA SUMPTIBUS ECCLESIÆ UGGELØSE FUSA TUTORE WILL- HELMO ANDREÆ SOLI DEO GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO. AUS DEN FEYER BIN ICH GEFLOSSEN. M. HANS MEYER IN HELSCHENØR HAT MICH GEGOSSENUggeløse (Lynge-Frederiksborg Herred) (DK)E. Gribsø 1934, p. 105.
BellJohann II1647Sel (NF)H. Fett 1911, p. 137.
BellJohann II1649ANNO CHRISTI MDCXLIX HELSINGORAE ME FECIT M. LOHANNES MEYERSVB CASTELLANO CORONEBVRGENSI GENEROSO ET NOBILI D(OMI)NO ARNOLDO DE CVLA ECCLESIAE A HVIVS SEEBVRGENSIS PASTORE D(OMI)NO LOANNE IOANNIS A ALBVRGIO PROCVRATORIBVSQ(UE) IOANNE LAV- RENTIO ET ANDREA ERASMI. LEVIT. 20: CVSTO DITE SABBATHA MEA ET PAVETE AD SANCTVA RIVM MEVM EGODOMINVS. Søborg (Holbo Herred) (DK)E. Gribsø 1934, p. 102.
BellJohann II1649SOLI DEO GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO BVCCINA DVM VOCAT HÆC CHRISTI GENVS ECCE SONORAM VERBI QVÆRE TVBAM CÆLI QVIA LIMINA PAN DIT. OTTO POVISCH PREECES FRIDERICIBURG FRANTZ LAVRITZØN SOGNEPREST, OLVF LAVRITZØN KIRCHEVERRIE. AVS DEN FEYIER BIN ICH GEFLOSEN HANNS MEYER HAT MICH GEGOSSEN ANNO 1649 Kregme (Strø Herred) (DK)E. Gribsø 1934, p. 85.
BellJohann II1650SOLI DEO GLORIA IN EXCELSIS. PATRONO DNO POVISCH, PASTORE DNO NICOLAO FRANCISCI, TUTORE ANDREA CHRISTIERNI, CONFEC- TUM SONUM HUNC EDO — FESTINATE CITO, CUM PULSOR, TUBA DEI SUM, QVÆRITE MORTALES REGNA BEATA DEI. ME FECIT HANS MEYER 1650 Strø (Strø Herred) (DK) E. Gribsø 1934, p. 101.
BellJohann II1652ANTE MEVM TEMPVS NVMERABITIS HYBLAS MILLE ET SEX- CENTAS CVM QVINQVAGINTA DVABVS. ME FECIT HANNS MEYER 1652 Lille Lyngby (Strø Herred) (DK) E. Gribsø 1934, p. 88.
BellJohann IIEsbønderupL. Hvass, T. Bill-Jessen 2011 p. 183.
BellJohann II1654ME FECIT HANS MEYER ANNO 1654Hofterups kyrka, Skåne (SE)
BellJohann II1656GUDS ORD ER SANNING TIL EVIG TIDBirketveit, Iveland (NF)
BellJohann II1660Høivaag (NF)H. Fett 1911, p. 137.
BellJohann II1658SOLI DEO GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO. OTTO POWISCH, SLODTZHERRE PAA FREDERICHBORG. ME FECIT HANS MEYER ANNO 1658 Hillerød (DK)E. Gribsø 1934, p. 82.
BellJohann II1663Strandebarm (NF)H. Fett 1911, p. 137.
BellJohann II1664HØR IEG KALDER DIG TILL GUD KOM OC HØR HANS HEL LIGE BUD HENRICH TOMASØN SOGNEPRÆST OC KIRCKEWERGER 1664 SOLI DEO GLORIA IN EXSELSIS DEO. ME FECIT HANS MEYER ANNO 1664. Birkerød (DK)E. Gribsø 1934, p. 63.
BellJohann II1664SOLI DEO GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO, MOVEO MOVEOR IN CIEI (DVS. DEI) GLORIAM NICOLAUS JOHANNI[S] BANG ECCLESIÆ PASTOR AO 1664 KIRKEVÆRGE DITLØW FROM GOS MICH HANS MEYER 1664 Slagslunde (Ølstykke Herred) (DK) E. Gribsø 1934, p. 98.
Stockholm Branch
ObjectName of the casterYear of productionInscriptionActual or former locationPrinted and archival sources
Paschal candelabrumGerhardt I1596ANNO 1596Riga, St. Peter's church [Petrikirche]C. Mettig, F. Moll 1892, p. 23.
Bathing Venus for GiambolognaGerhardt I1597ME FECIT GERHARDT MEYER HOLMIAEANNO 1597/ Den 25. NovemberPrivate CollectionA. Rudigier, B. Truyols (2016).
Bells for RigaGerhardt II1638DSHI 100 Campe 028,1.
Brass chandeliersGerhardt II1643Stockholm, Jakobs KyrkaJakobs Kyrka 1930–34, p. 350.
ChandelierGerhardt II1644Stockholm, Jakobs KyrkaStockholms Kyrkor IV 1930–34, p. 350.
BellGerhardt II1644Stockholm, Jakobs KyrkaStockholms Kyrkor IV 1930–34, p. 419.
BellGerhardt II1647ME FECIT GERDT MEYER SUM /---/ 1647Spånga kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt II1647DORCH GOTTES HYLF GUS MICH GERDT MEYER IN STOCKHOLM ANNO 1647Frösunda kyrka, Uppland (SE)
KopparmatteGerhardt II1647/49Stockholm, Stadsmuseum Formerly Stockholm, StortorgetSSA, Byggnadskollegiet protokoll 23/3, 5/4 1647, juni 1649; Cf. G. Axel-Nilsson 1943.
BellGerhardt II1651Stockholm, Jakobs Kryka (recast)RA, Riksregistratur 1648, 26.4.; Jakobs Kyrka 1930–34, p. 419.
BellGerhardt II1651HOLMIAE ME FUNDEBAT GERDT MEYER 1651Bromma kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt II1653HOLMIAE SUECORUM ME FUNDEBAT GERDT MEYER ANNO 1653Järfälla kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt II1654HOLMIAE SVECORUM ME FUNDEBAT GERDT MEYER 1654Sorunda kyrka, Södermanland (SE)
BellJohann IV1663...Holmiæ me fundebat Iohan(nes) MeyerRistiina (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 450.
CannonJohann IV1665GOS MICH IOHAN MEYER IN STOCKHOLM ANNO 1665Stockholm, Armémuseum, AM 49109
BellJohann IV1666Gloria in excelsis deo et in terra pax. Laudate in cymbalis. Me fundebat Johan Meyer anno 1666Pskov (RU), Spaso-Mirozskijklostret T. A. J. Arne 1917, p. 99.
BellJohann IV1671Gloria Soli Deo/ Maria Sophia de la Gardie/ Johann Meyer Anno 1671 Holmiae me fundebatIvangorod (RU)T. A. J. Arne 1917, p. 99.
BellJohann IV1673Soli Deo Gloria/Holmiae Johan Meyer anno 1673Anttola (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 9.
BellJohann IV1673...[I]ohan(nes) Meyer anno 1673Porvoo (FI), TuomiokirkkiR. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 409.
BellJohann IV1674Me fundebat Johan Meyer anno 1674 HolmiæKokemäki (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 202.
CannonJohann IV1675HOLMIAE ME FVNDERAT IOHAN MEYER ANNO 1675Stockholm, Armémuseum, AM 049709
BellJohann IV1675...Holmiæ me funde[bat] Iohan(nes) Meyer anno 1675Pernaja (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 385.
Naval BellJohann IV1677ANNO 1677...ADMIRALITET.......IOHAN MEYER HOLMIAEStockholm, Nationalmuseum
BellJohann IV1677Gloria in excelsis Deo et in terra pax(Anno 1677/ Me fundebat Iohan(nes) MeyerTaivassalo (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 494.
BellJohann IV1680Anno 1680/Soli Deo Gloria/Gloria in excelsis Deo/Holmiæ me fundebat Iohan MeyerTervola (FI), Uusi KirkkoR. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 518.
BellGerhardt IV1692Vika kyrka (SE)
BellGerhardt IV1695ME FECIT HOLMIAE GERHARDT MEYER 1695“Angermünde (GE)R. Dethlefsen 1919; H.-G. Eichler 2003, p. 195.
BellGerhardt IV1696DIESE GLOCKE HABEN SEINE KÜNINGLICHE MAISTAT DER / GROSSMACHTIGSE KÖNIG CARL XI. DIESER CARLSKIRCHE / ALHIR IN REVAL AVF SANCT ANTONIBERG ANSTAT DERIENI / GEN WELCHE VON DAR ZVM SCHLOSVHRWERCK GENOMEN /WORDEN ALLERGNADIGST VEREHRET WELCHES GOTT ZV /EHREN VND SEINER KÖNIGLICHEN MAISTAT ZVM CHRISTÖBLICHEN /NACHRVHM DEREN NACHKOMMEN ZVR KÜNFTIGEN NACHRICHT / ALHIR EIGESTOCHEN WORDEN GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO ME FECIT HOLMIAE GERHARDT MEYER A 1696WERBUM DEI MANET IN AETERNAM. GOTTES WORT LUTERI LEHR VERGEHET NVN VND NIMMER MEHR.Tallinn (EE), Kaarli kirikhttps://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karlskirche_(Tallinn)
BellGerhardt IV1698ME FECIT HOLMIAE GERHARD MEYER ANNO 1698Spånga kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt IV1698GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO ME FECIT HOLMIAE GERHARD MEYER ANNO 1698Ekerö kyrka, Södermanland (SE)
Two BellsGerhardt IV1698...DEO ME FECIT HOLMIAE GERHARD MEYER 1698Mörbylånga kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt IV1698ANNO DOMINI MDCXCVIII ME FECIT HOLMIAE GERHARDT MEIJERStockholm, RiddarholmskyrkanC. F. Rothlieb 1822, p. 32f.
BellGerhardt IV1698Soli Deo Gloria. Anno 1696. Gloria in excelsis Deo. Me fecit Holmiae Gerhardt MeyerKuusamo (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 234.
Two BellsGerhardt IV1699GLORIA...ME FECIT GERHARDT MEYERKarlskrona (SE), Museum
BellGerhardt IV1699Bladåkers kyrka, Uppland (SE)
Two BellsGerhardt IV17011. ME FECIT HOLMIAE GERHARDT MEYER ANNO 17012. KLÅCKA GUTEN I STOCKHOLM AF GERHARD MEYER 1701Karlskrona (SE), Amiralitetskyrkan
BellGerhardt IV1701ARTIFICE GERHARD MEYER SUM REFUCA HOLMIAE A:o 1701Litslena kyrka, Södermanland (SE)
BellGerhardt IV1701Soli Deo Gloria. Me fecit Holmiae Gerhardt Meyer anno 1701Korpilahti (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 208.
BellGerhardt IV1703Närke (SE), Rinkeby kyrka
BellGerhardt IV1704Grovare (Vists), Västergötland (SE)J. Hedberg 1982, p. 558
BellGerhardt IV1704Gloria in excelsis Deo. Me fecit Holmiae Gerhardt [Meyer] anno 1704Askola (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 12.
BellGerhardt IV1705GLORA EXELSIS DEO ME FECIT HOLMIAE GERHARD MEIJER ANNO 1705Näs, Uppland (SE)Upplands fornminnesförenings tidskrift VIII, 1879, p. 112.
BellGerhardt IV1705Knutby kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt IV1705Anno 1705 me fecit Gerhardt Meijer HolmiaeUtsjoki or Enare, Fl (Lappland)http://kirjasto.rovaniemi.fi/digi/lappmarken3.htm
BellGerhardt IV1706GLORA EXELSIS DEO ME FECIT HOLMIAE GERHARD MEYER ANNO 1706Husby-Sjuhundra kyrka (SE)
BellGerhardt IV1706Soli de Gloria. Gloria in excelsis Deo. Me fecit Holmiae Gerhardt Meyer anno 1706Pudasjärvi (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 414.
BellGerhardt IV1706Dalarna (SE), Stora Tuna kyrka
BellGerhardt IV1706Närke (SE), Axebergs kyrka
Triple-barrelled cannonGerhardt IV1708ME FECIT GERHARDT MEYER HOLMIAE ANNO 1708Stockholm, Armémuseum, AM 049722
Triple-barrelled cannonGerhardt IV1708ME FECIT GERHARDT MEYER HOLMIAE ANNO 1708Stockholm, Armémuseum, AM 049727
BellGerhardt IV1708ME FECIT GERHARDT MEYERUppsala, Hospitalskyrkanhttp://www.scribo.se/hospitalskyrkans-klocka
Four bellsGerhardt IV1708-101. GIUTEN I STOCKHOLM TILL UPSALA DOMKYRCKIA AF GERHARDT MEYER DEN 13 APRIL ANNO 17082. (founded me Gerhard Meyer 1708)3. REFECTA STOCKHOLMICA PER GERHARD MEYER 4. FECIT HOLMIAE GERHARD MEYER ANNO 1710Uppsala, Domkyrka
BellGerhardt VI1717ME FECIT HOLMIAE GERHARD MEIJER ANNO 1717Danderyd, Uppland (SE)Upplands fornminnesförenings tidskrift IV, 1875, p. 4.
BellGerhardt VI1719Salvator mundi. Me fudit Gerh(ardo) Meyer HolmiæVammala (FI), Karkun kirkkoR. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 608.
BellCatharina Meyer1722...me Catharina Meyer a (nno) MDCCXXII d(i.e.) 9. Maii Holmiae confecit.Keminmaa (FI), Uusi KirkkoR. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 181.
BellGerhardt VI1724Confecit Holmiæ a(nno) 1724 Gerhardt Meyer.Kristiinankaupunki (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 216.
BellGerhardt VI1724Gloria in altissimus Deo. Me fecit Gerhardt Meyer HolmiæLaihia (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 244.
BellGerhardt VI1724...a Gerhardo Meyer Holmiæ a(nn)o 1724 est fusum...Vähäkyrö (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 628.
Pair of garden vasesGerhardt VI1725ME FECIT GERHARDT MEYER/HOLMIAE ANNO 1725Galerie Kugel, Paris
BellGerhardt VI1726Dalarna (SE), Amsbergs kapell
BellGerhardt VI1727Markims kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1727In usum eccle(siae) Lappaiærvi fusa sum a Gerhardo Meyer fusore regius Holmiæ a(nn)o 1727Lappajärvi (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 254.
BellGerhardt VI1729Närke (SE), Götlunda kyrka
BellGerhardt VI1729Me fecit/Gerh(ard) Meyer HolmiæSievi (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 474.
BellGerhardt VI1729...M(e) f(ecit) Gerh(ard) Meyer Holmiæ 1729Vöyri (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 632.
BellGerhardt VI1729...fusa est hæc campana a G(erhardo) Meyer anno æræ Christianæ MDCCXXIX mense IulioYlitornio (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 637.
BellGerhardt VI1730Länna kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1730.../A(nno) 1730 s[culpta] a Gerh(ardo) MeyerSiikajoki (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 475.
BellGerhardt VI1731...sculpta a Gerh(ardo) Meyer Holmiæ a(nno) MDCCXXXIKokkola (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 205.
BellGerhardt VI1731Me fecit (Gerh(ard) Meyer Holmiæ a(nno) 1731Pornainen (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 403.
BellGerhardt VI1731Fridericus I, rex Sueciæ; Ulrica Eleonora reg(ina) Sueciæ/Me fecit Gerh(ard) Meyer HolmiæVähäkyrö (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 629.
BellGerhardt VI1732Me fec(it) Gerh(ard) Meyer HolmiæNummi-Pusula (FI), Pusulan KirkkoR. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 334.
BellGerhardt VI1733Stenkyrka kyrka, Gotland (SE)
MortarGerhardt VI1734Stockholm, Armémuseum, AM 075168
MortarGerhardt VI1734G: Meyer Fec: 1734 Nr. 1Stockholm, Armémuseum, AM 075169
BellGerhardt VI1735Gotröra kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1736G(erhard) Meyer fecit Holmiæ/a(nno) 1736Kustavi (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 233.
BellGerhardt VI1737Dalarna (SE), Mockfjärds kapell
BellGerhardt VI1738...conflatum est Holmiae anno MDCCXXXVIII a Gerh(ardo) MeyerIIsalmi (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 130.
BellGerhardt VI1738...Me fecit Ger(ard) Meyer HolmiaeJuva (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 160.
BellGerhardt VI1739Alsike kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1740Anno MDCCXL...G(erhard) Meyer fudit HolmiæKumlinge (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 227.
CannonGerhardt VI 1741G. MEYER FECIT – AXELIO LÖWEN-SENATORIAE DIGNITATISPIGNUS AMORIS-ORDINES SUECIAE- MDCCXLIStockholm, Armémuseum, AM 061409
CannonGerhardt VI 1741G. MEYER FECIT – AXELIO LÖWEN-SENATORIAE DIGNITATISPIGNUS AMORIS-ORDINES SUECIAE- MDCCXLIStockholm, Armémuseum, AM 061413
BellGerhardt VI1741Orkesta kyrka, Uppland (SE)
MortarGerhardt VI1742Stockholm, Armémuseum, AM 075171
CannonGerhardt VI1743G: MEYER FEC: HOLMIAE. 1743*Stockholm, Armémuseum, AM 049753
BellGerhardt VI1744Medelpad (SE), Städa kyrka
BellGerhardt VI1744G(erhard) Meyer fecit Holmiæ 1744Salo (FI), Salo-Uskelan kirkkoR. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 462.
BellGerhardt VI1744Närke (SE), Tisslinge kyrka
BellGerhardt VI1745Viklau kyrka, Gotland (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1745Kräklinge kyrka, Gotland
BellGerhardt VI1745G(erhard) Meyer fec(it) HolmiæLempäälä (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 264.
BellGerhardt VI1745G(erhard) Meyer, fec(it) Holmia MDCCXLVSotkamo (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 484.
BellGerhardt VI1745.../Fusæ Holmiæ/ a G(erhardo) Meyer/anno 1745Uusikaarlepyy (FI), Munsalan kirkkoR. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 586.
BellGerhardt VI1746Me paucos ante annos ruptam pristinae formae restituit G(erhard) Meyer Holmiae 1746Houtskär (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 122.
BellGerhardt VI?n.d.G(erhard) Meyer fecit HolmiaeIitti (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 132.
BellGerhardt VI?n.d.G(erhard) Meyer fud(it) HolmiæNurmijärvi (FI), Nurmijärven kirkkoR. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 337.
BellGerhardt VI?n.d.Me fec(it) G(erhard) Meyer HolmiæSiikajoki (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 476.
BellGerhardt VI1746[M]e fec(it) G(erhard) Meyer HolmiæKuhmalati (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 224.
BellGerhardt VI1746Me fec(it) G(erhard) Meyer Holmiae a(nno) 1746Hämeenkoski (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 126.
BellGerhardt VI1746Me fec(it) G(erhard) Meijer Holmiae 1746Pedersöre (FI), Ähtävan kirkkoR. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 382.
BellGerhardt VI1747Me fec(it) G(erhard) Meyer HolmiæLaukaa (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p 258.
BellGerhardt VI1748Östuna kyrka, Uppland
Bust of King Charles XIIGerhardt VI1748Gerh. Meijer fudit 1748, HolmiaeParis, Louvre; Potsdam, Sanssouci; Stockholm, Royal Palace
BellGerhardt VI1748/53Nederluleå kyrka (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1749?Me fec(it) G(erhard) Meyer HolmiæKuusjoki (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 236.
BellGerhardt VI1749Alawo. Fusa 1734. Refusa et aucta 1749 a G(erhardo) Meyer HolmiaeAlavus (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 5.
BellGerhardt VI1749Gerhard) Meyer fec(it) Holmiæ 1749...Kemijärvi (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 177.
BellGerhardt VI1750Gräsö kyrka, Uppland (SE)
Model of a gun drillGerhardt VI1750 ca.Stockholm, Armémuseum, AM 074810
BellGerhardt VI1751Bro Kyrka (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1752SVLENSKA PERLAN AF GERH(ARD) MEYER GUTEN I STOCKHOLM A(NN)O 1752Liepāja (LV) [Libau], Catholic churchK. M. Kowalski 2005, p. 481.
BellGerhardt VI1752Bladåkers kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1753Gerh(ard) Meyer fecit HolmiaeAskola (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 13.
BellGerhardt VI1753G(erhard) Meyer fecit HolmiaeAnjalankoski (FI), Sippolan kirkkoR. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 8.
BellGerhardt VI1753Ger(hard) Meyer fecit HolmiæRuokolahti (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p .455.
Naval bellGerhardt VI1753Guten af G. Meyer, StockholmStockholm, Sjöhistoriska museet, S 6323https://www.sjohistoriska.se/en/collections/search-the-collections/digitaltmuseum
BellGerhardt VI1754GERH(ARD) MEYER FECIT HOLMIAE 1754Valmiera (LV) [Wolmar], St. Simon's church K. M. Kowalski 2005, p. 481.
BellGerhardt VI1755Halla kyrka, Gotland (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1755Sjonhems kyrka, Gotland (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1755Gerh(ard) Meyer fecit HolmiaeJokionen (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 154.
BellGerhardt VI1756...G(erhard) Meyer fecit Holmiae anno 1756Isojoki (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 137.
BellGerhardt VI1757Osseby-Garns kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1757Gerh(ard) Meyer fecit HolmiæLoimaa (FI), Metsämaan kirkoR. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 277.
BellGerhardt VI1758Gammelgarns kyrka, Gotland (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1758Ethelhems kyrka, Gotland (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1758GERHARD MEYER FECIT HOLMIAE 1758Slite kyrka, Gotland (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1758Skederda kyrka (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1759Vidbo kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1759Gerh(ard) Meyer fecit HolmiæLapinjärvi (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 250.
BellGerhardt VI1759Gerh(ard) Meyer fecit Holmiæ a(nno) 1759Taipalsaari (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 492.
BellGerhardt VI1760Lagga kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1760Farsta kyrka (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1760Edebacka kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1760G(erhard) Meyer fec(it) HolmiæVampula (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 611.
BellGerhardt VI1762...G(erhard) Meyer fecit HolmiæJomala (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 156.
BellGerhardt VI1763Campana Helsingf(orsien)sis cum additamento et liberali sumtu mercatoris Ioh(annis) Cederholm recusa Holmiae a G(erardo) Meyer 1763Helsinki, TuomiokirkkoR. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 54.
BellGerhardt VI1764Kårsta kyrka, Uppland (SE)
MortarGerhardt VI1764Stockholm, Armémuseum, AM 075187
BellGerhardt VI1766Fittja kyrka (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1768...G(erhard) Meyer fud(it) Holm(iae) 1768Helsinki, TuomiokirkkoR. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 54.
BellGerhardt VI1769Närtuna kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt VI1769.../Fusa Holmiae a G(erhardo) Meyer/1769Uusikaarlepyy (FI), Uudenkaralrepyyn kirkkiR. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 584
BellGerhardt VI1770...denuo sculpta a Gerh(ardo) Meyer a(nno) 1770,...Rantsila (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 428.
BellGerhardt VI1771Hökhuvud kyrka, Uppland (SE)
MortarGerhardt VII1771G. MEYER FUD. HOLMIAE 1771Madrid, Museo del EjercitoA. N. Kennard 1986, p. 114.
BellGerhardt VI1772...fusa a G(erardo) Meyer Holm(iae) 1772Heinola (FI) Maaseurakunnan kirkkoR. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 51.
BellGerhardt VII1783Visby, Gotland (SE), domkyrka
BellGerhardt VII1784Lunda kyrka, Uppland (SE)
BellGerhardt VII1785GERH(ARDU)S MEYER FECIT HOLMIAE 1785Liepāja (VL) [Libau], Museum, formerly ImaljenK. M. Kowalski 2005, p. 482.
BellGerhardt VII1785Me fecit G(erhardu)s MeyerPihtipudas (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 393.
BellGerhardt VII1789Anno 1789 die 5. Septembris sub violenti motu et pulsation dirupta fuis. Mox Holmiam transmissa ibidemque recusa et aucta sum a Gerh(ardo) S. Meyer....Ilmajoki (FI)R. Pitkäranta 2004, p. 134.
MortarGerhardt VII1795ME FECIT G. MEYER HOLMIAE AR 1795Stockholm, Armémuseum, AM 061218
HowitzerGerhardt VII1795ME FECIT G. MEYER HOLMIAE AR 1795Stockholm, Armémuseum, AM 061219

Archives and Bibliography

J.C. Brotze = Johann Christoph, Livonica. Sammlung verschiedener Liefländischer Monumente, Prospecte, Müntzen, Wapen I-X, Manuscript, Latvijas Universitātes Akadēmiskā bibliotēka, Riga.

DSHI 100 Campe 28,1 = Bequest Paul Campe (1885-1960), Herder Institute for Historical Research on East Central Europe, Marburg

KA = Krigsarkivet, Stockholm

LVVA = Latvijas Valsts vēstures arhīvs, Riga

RA = Riksarkivet, Stockholm

SSA = Stockholm Stadsarkiv

A.A.: "Der Pulver-Thurm", Rigaische Stadt-Blätter XXVIII, 51 (1827), pp. 414–416.

A.A.: "Die Kirche des heil. Olai in Reval", Das Inland. Eine Wochenschrift für Liv-, Est- und Kurland's Geschichte, Geographie, Statistik und Literatur I, 27 (1836), pp. 450–457.

A.A.: "Beitrag zu der Kunde der Alterthümer unserer Stadt", Rigaische Stadt-Blätter XXXIX, 23 (1838a), pp. 177–180.

A.A.: "Beitrag zu der Kunde der Alterthümer unserer Stadt", Rigaische Stadt-Blätter XXXIX, 24 (1838b), pp. 186–191.

A. Anteins: Bronza Latvijā. Pa metālu ieguves un apstrādes vēstures lappusēm, Riga 1988.

P. Arends: Die St. Petri-Kirche in Riga, Riga 1944.

T.A.J. Arne: Det stora Svitjod: essayer om gångna tiders Svensk-ryska kulturförbindelser, Stockholm 1917.

W. Baum: "Altrigasche Geschütze", Rigasche Zeitung Nr. 250 (1910), p. 1.

N.E. Brandenburg: Istoricheskīĭ katalog S.-Peterburgskago artillerīĭskago muzei︠a︡ III., Sankt Petersburg 1889.

J.K. Broce: Zīmējumi un apraksti 2. Rīgas priekšpilsētas un tuvākā apkārtne [Die Vorstädte und die Umgebung Rigas], Zeids, Teodors (cur.), Riga 1996.

J. Böttiger: Das königliche Schloß zu Stockholm. Amtlicher Führer, Malmö 1911.

F. Brunstermann: Die Geschichte der Kleinen oder St. Johannis-Gilde in Wort und Bild, Riga 1902.

P. Campe: Die Kirchenglocken Lettlands von ältester Zeit an bis zum Jahre 1860 und ihre Gießer, Riga 1930 (Acta Universitatis Latviensis. Architekturas Fakultates Serija, I.1.).

P. Campe: "Das Stadtgießhaus zu Riga", Baltischer Almanach (1931), pp. 110–120.

C.M. Cipolla: Segel und Kanonen. Die europäische Expansion zur See, Berlin 1999.

P.C. Claussen: "Früher Künstlerstolz. Mittelalterliche Signaturen als Quelle der Kunstsoziologie", in: Bauwerk und Bildwerk im Hochmittelalter. Anschauliche Beiträge zur Kultur- und Sozialgeschichte, Clausberg, Karl et al. (ed.), Giessen 1981, pp. 7–34 (Kunstwissenschaftliche Untersuchungen des Ulmer Vereins, Verband für Kunst- und Kulturwissenschaften, XI).

D. Diemer, L. Hinners: "Gerhardt Meyer made me in Stockholm": a bronze "Bathing Woman" after Giambologna", The Burlington Magazine 160 (2018), pp. 545–553.

J. Döring: "Die St. Trinitatis Kirche in Mitau", Sitzungsberichte der kurländischen Gesellschaft für Literatur und Kunst (1868), pp. 218–244.

H-G. Eichler: Handbuch der Stück- und Glockengießer auf der Grundlage der im mittleren und östlichen Deutschland überlieferten Glocken. Eingerichtet von Barbara Poettgen, Greifenstein 2003 (Schriften aus dem Deutschen Glockenmuseum, II).

G. Elgenstierna: Den introducerade svenska adelns ättartavlor, 9 vols., Stockholm 1925–36.

Gesellschaft für Geschichte und Altertumskunde der Ostseeprovinzen Rußlands in Riga (ed.): Führer durch die Sammlungen der Gesellschaft im Dommuseum, Riga 1911.

H. Fett: Norges kirker i det 16de og 17de aarhundrede, Kristiania 1911 (Gammel norsk kultur i tekst og billeder).

E. Gribsø: "Frederiksborg Amts Kirkeklokker", Frederiksborg Amts Historiske Samfund (ed.), Hillerød 1934, pp. 57–118.

M. Grieb, ed.: Nürnberger Künstlerlexikon. Bildende Künstler, Kunsthandwerker, Gelehrte, Sammler, Kulturschaffende und Mäzene vom 12. bis zur Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts, 4 vols., München 2007.

T. Hach: "Mittheilungen über Rigasche Erzgießer", Rigasche Stadtblätter 75, p. 29 (1884).

T. Hach: Lübecker Glockenkunde, Lübeck 1913 (Veröffentlichungen zur Geschichte der freien und Hansestadt Lübeck, II).

L. Hammarskiöld: "Kopparkanoner I Sverige och deras tillverkning", Med hammare och fackla. Årsbok utgiven av Sancte Örjens Gille XVIII (1949/50), pp. 25–64.

J. Hedberg: Kungl. Artilleriet. Carl X Gustafs tid, Kristianstad 1982.

L. Hinners: De fransöske handtwerkarne vid Stockholms slott 1693–1713. Yrkesroller, organisation, arbetsprocesser, Stockholm 2012 (Eidos. Skrifter från Konstvetenskapliga institutionen vid Stockholms universitet, XXV).

L. Hvass, T. Bill-Jessen: Christian 4. som kanonstøber : kongens værksteder ved Kronborg - Gethuset, Hammermøllen og Kobbermøllen, Helsingør Kommunes Museer 2011.

G. Jensch: "Der Handel Rigas im 17. Jahrhundert. Ein Beitrag zur livländischen Wirtschaftsgeschichte in schwedischer Zeit", Mitteilungen aus der livländischen Geschichte XXIV, 2 (1930), pp. 49–146.

A.N. Kennard: Gunfounding and Gunfounders. A Directory of Cannon Founders from Earliest Times to 1850, London-New York-Sydney 1986.

K.M. Kowalski: "Die Glocken aus den Gießereien des Ostseeraumes in Riga und Lettland (im Lichte der Sammlung von Paul Campe)", in: Riga und der Ostseeraum. Von der Gründung 1201 bis in die Frühe Neuzeit, Misāns, Ilgvars and Horst Wernicke (ed.), Marburg 2005, pp. 463–486 (Tagungen zur Ostmitteleuropa-Forschung, XXII).

J.A.A. Lüdeke: Denkmal der Wieder-Eröffnung der Deutschen Kirche in Stockholm zur öffentlichen Gottes-Verehrung nach volendeter Ausbesserung 1821. Eine Predikt mit diplomatisch-historischen Beylagen, Stockholm 1823.

A. Magnien: "Les bronzes "Keller"", Bulletin de la société de l'histoire de l'art français 1996 (1997), pp. 37-63.

C. Mettig, Constantin, F. Moll: Illustrirter Führer durch Riga und Umgebung, Riga 1892.

L.W. Munthe: Kongl. fortifikationens historia, 6 vols., Norstedt 1902.

Nordisk Familjebok. Konversationslexikon och Realencyklopedi, 38 vols., Stockholm 1904-26.

R. Pitkäranta: Suomen kirkkojen latina. Piirtokirjoitukset kirkoissa, kellotapuleissa ja hautausmailla. (EFIL Ecclesiarum Finlandiae Inscriptiones Latinae), Helsinki 2004 (Suomen kirkkohistoriallisen seuran toimituksia, CXCIII).

E. Ploss: "Der Inschriftentypus "N. N. me fecit" und seine geschichtliche Entwicklung bis ins Mittelalter", Zeitschrift für deutsche Philologie LXXVII (1958), pp. 25–46.

H.W.J. Rickers: Etwas über die St. Olai-Kirche in Reval, die durch einen Blitzstrahl in der Nacht vom 15. zum 16. Juny 1820 zerstört wurde, Reval 1820.

C.F. Rothlieb: Beskrifning öfver Kongl. Riddarholmskyrkan, Stockholm 1822.

A. Rudigier, B. Truyols: "Jean Bologne et les jardins d' Henri IV [avec un' avant-propos par Bertrand Jestaz]", Bulletin monumental 174, 3 (2016), pp. 247–373.

A. Rudigier: ""Letter to the editor" [Response to Diemer, Dorothea/Hinners, Linda, ""Gerhardt Meyer made me in Stockholm": a bronze "Bathing Woman" after Giambologna", in: The Burlington Magazine 160 (2018), pp. 545–553]», The Burlington Magazine 160 (2018), pp. 813-815.

A. Rudigier, B. Truyols: "Giambologna. Court Sculptor to Ferdinando I. His Art, his Style and the Medici Gifts to Henry IV." Photography by Georg Steinmetzer, London 2019.

F. Siewert: Geschichte und Urkunden der Rigafahrer in Lübeck, Berlin 1897 (Hansische Geschichtsquellen, I).

Stockholms Kyrkor VI. S. Klara Kyrka, o.O. 1928 (Sveriges Kyrkor).

Svenka Konstnärer. Biografisk Handbok, Malmö o.J. (1955).

H. Hofberg et al.: Svenskt Biografiskt Handlexikon, 2 vols., Stockholm 1906.

Svenskt konstnärslesikon, Malmö o.J. [1961].

R-A. Weigert, C. Hernmarck, eds.: Les relations artistiques entre la France et la Suède 1693-1718. Nicodemus Tessin le jeune et Daniel Cronström Correspondance (extraits), Stockholm 1964.

M. Thiel: "Das Arsenal in der Citadelle von Riga", Rigaische Stadt-Blätter XVIII, 49-50 (1827), p. 397; pp. 405–407.

U. Thieme, F. Becker, eds.: Allgemeines Lexikon der bildenden Künstler von der Antike bis zur Gegenwart, 37 vols., Leipzig 1907–50.

S. Thurm: Deutscher Glockenatlas II. Bayerisch-Schwaben, Grundmann, Günther (ed.), Berlin 1967.

Notes and References

  1. The only document written by his hand is an account. LVVA, Stadtkasse Riga, Einnahmen, Ausgaben, Rechnungen, Quittungen 1574-1598, fol. 29r.
  2. T. Hach: Lübecker Glockenkunde, Lübeck 1913 (Veröffentlichungen zur Geschichte der freien und Hansestadt Lübeck, II), p. 210, note 1.
  3. (A.A.: "Der Pulver-Thurm", Rigaische Stadt-Blätter XXVIII, 51 (1827), pp. 414-416) The cannon today in the Army Museum in St. Petersburg is not signed "Gerhardt Meyer von Nurnberg" but indeed "Georgen Burger von Nuremberg". Repeated by P. Campe: Die Kirchenglocken Lettlands von ältester Zeit an bis zum Jahre 1860 und ihre Gießer, Riga 1930 (Acta Universitatis Latviensis. Architekturas Fakultates Serija, I.1.)p. 182 and M. H. Grieb, (ed.: Nürnberger Künstlerlexikon. Bildende Künstler, Kunsthandwerker, Gelehrte, Sammler, Kulturschaffende und Mäzene vom 12. bis zur Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts, 4 vols., München 2007, II, p. 1016.
  4. See Stockholms Kyrkor VI. S. Klara Kyrka, o.O. 1928 (Sveriges Kyrkor), p. 271f. with transcription errors.
  5. The numbering of members of the Meyer family with the same given name used in this article are taken from the genealogical tree drawn up by Georg Steinmetzer in A. Rudigier, B. Truyols: "Giambologna. Court Sculptor to Ferdinando I. His Art, his Style and the Medici Gifts to Henry IV." Photography by Georg Steinmetzer, London 2019, Appendix III. A short overview is given in A.N. Kennard: Gunfounding and Gunfounders. A Directory of Cannon Founders from Earliest Times to 1850, London-New York-Sydney 1986, pp. 113f. with divergent numbering.
  6. For origin and development of this formula see S. Thurm: Deutscher Glockenatlas II. Bayerisch-Schwaben, G. Grundmann (ed.), Berlin 1967, p. 38; E. Ploss: "Der Inschriftentypus "N. N. me fecit" und seine geschichtliche Entwicklung bis ins Mittelalter", Zeitschrift für deutsche Philologie LXXVII (1958), pp. 25-46 and P.C. Claussen: "Früher Künstlerstolz. Mittelalterliche Signaturen als Quelle der Kunstsoziologie", in: Bauwerk und Bildwerk im Hochmittelalter. Anschauliche Beiträge zur Kultur- und Sozialgeschichte, K. Clausberg, et al. (eds.), Giessen 1981, pp. 7-34 (Kunstwissenschaftliche Untersuchungen des Ulmer Vereins, Verband für Kunst- und Kulturwissenschaften, XI), p. 321ff.
  7. See T. Hach: "Mittheilungen über Rigasche Erzgießer", Rigasche Stadtblätter 75, 29 (1884), p. 281. The letters, which inform about this case are in Staatsarchiv Lübeck, Ämter und Innungen, Rotgießer, Auswärtige Beziehungen, Riga (1582-1643). Among the Baltic cities, Lubeck and Riga had the closest relations. See F. Siewert: Geschichte und Urkunden der Rigafahrer in Lübeck, Berlin 1897 (Hansische Geschichtsquellen, I).
  8. cf. Deutsches Wörterbuch von Jacob und Wilhelm Grimm. Lfg. 4 (1871), Bd. IV, II (1877), Sp. 758, Z. 4.
  9. Campe 1930, p. 20.
  10. "Hat...unser Ambts Mitgenos bisher nicht sein mögen" complains the Rigan guild in 1582 (Hach 1884, p. 282). For Meyer’s admission to the guild see LVVA, Kleine (St. Johannes) Gilde, Berichte der Altermänner 1549-1624, fol.84r-85r. For the guild’s strict rules ("Schragen" see F. Brunstermann: Die Geschichte der Kleinen oder St. Johannis-Gilde in Wort und Bild, Riga 1902, pp. 357-365.
  11. Campe 1930, p. 88.
  12. See LVVA, Stadtkassa Riga, Einnahmen, Ausgaben, Rechnungen, Quittungen 1609-10, Nr. 35: Payment of 18.8.1610 made to "der Gysserin Hans Maiers Wedwen". Campe 1930, p. 182 notes that he was buried April 29th, 1610.
  13. Hans Meyer’s second wife had a much better reputation than his first one. She was the eldest daughter of Rigan citizen Hans Bordinck, who was himself possibly of Strassburg origin. After her father’s death about 1592 she and her siblings were under guardianship (LVVA, Rigasches Stadt-Waisen-Gericht, Verzeichnis der Verstorbenen alßwohl der Vormündere und Kinder Namen (1591-1615), fol. 2 Nr. 19) which is a terminus post quem for Meyer’s marriage with Catharina. One of her brothers was pastor Hans Bordinck, who in 1610 on his part became guardian of his nephews, left half-orphan after Hans Meyer’s death. (LVVA, Rigasches Stadt-Waisen-Gericht, Verzeichnis der Verstorbenen alßwohl der Vormündere und Kinder Namen (1591-1615), fol. 43, Nr. 452). See his unpublished material in DSHI, NL Campe.
  14. Cf. Hammarskiöld, Ludvig, «Kopparkanoner I Sverige och deras tillverkning», Med hammare och fackla. Årsbok utgiven av Sancte Örjens Gille XVIII (1949/50), 25-64, p. 47. In a document of 1610 Catarina is called caster (Gießerin) (18.8.1610, LVVA, Stadtkasse Riga, Einnahmen, Ausgaben, Rechnungen, Quittungen 1609-10, 7, Nr. 35). Catarina Meyer died in Stockholm 1636 (25.11; SSA, Tyska församlingen, Dödabok 1635-1680) whereto she had followed either Medardus Gessus or her son Gerhardt (II)
  15. "das Vollendetste in der Kunst des Metallgusses..." P. Campe: "Das Stadtgießhaus zu Riga", Baltischer Almanach (1931), 110-120, p. 116.
  16. Until 19th century about 33 canons made by Johann I and his grandson Gerhard III have been kept in the arsenal of Riga. M. Thiel: "Das Arsenal in der Citadelle von Riga", Rigaische Stadt-Blätter XVIII, 49-50 (1827), pp. 405-407. In 1857, after the ramparts and bastions of the city had been demolished, most of the cannons where brought to the Museum of Artillery in St. Petersburg. In 1891 some of the cannons returned to be shown in the "Dom Museum" of Riga, founded in these days.
  17. 17.6. 1631 (LVVA, Rigasches Kämmerei- und Amtsgericht, Quartalbuch 1615-1634, p. 587).
  18. See LVVA, Rigasche Ratsoberkanzlei, Ratsprotokolle Publica, 6, p. 11. In later years Johann was active abroad. In 1660 the City of Riga confirmed his birthright, possibly necessary for getting accepted in a guild. (LVVA, Rigasche Ratsoberkanzlei, Missive ad Privatos, 575, f. 138-140).
  19. Baptised 23.8.1644, SSA, Tyska församlingen, Dopbok 1639-1700, p. 269.
  20. January 3rd, 1671 (LVVA, Rigasche Ratsoberkanzlei, Missive ad Privatos, 576, f. 514-518).
  21. 9.11.1677 (LVVA, Rigasche Ratsoberkanzlei, Ratsprotokolle Publica, 21, p. 330).
  22. E.g. Meyer was defendant in 1680 by the authorities because he waywardly produced cast objects apart from cannons, a right which would have required his membership to the Rigan guild. (LVVA, Riga, Amtsgerichtsprotokolle, vol. 19, p. 36: Here after DSHI, NL Campe)
  23. April 4th, 1701 (LVVA, Rigasche Ratsoberkanzlei, Ratsprotokolle Publica, 53, p. 72).
  24. LVVA, Rigasches Stadt-Waisen-Gericht, Verzeichnis der Verstorbenen alßwohl der Vormündere und Kinder Namen (1591-1615), fol. 43, Nr. 452.
  25. The patent however was not signed by the King before May 15th, 1639. L. Hvass, T. Bill-Jessen: Christian 4. som kanonstøber : kongens værksteder ved Kronborg - Gethuset, Hammermøllen og Kobbermøllen, Helsingør Kommunes Museer 2011, p. 127f.
  26. Hvass/Bill-Jessen 2011, p. 127f.
  27. 12.10.1640. See Hvass/Bill-Jessen 2011, pp. 48 and 363.
  28. Hvass/Bill-Jessen 2011, pp. 169 and 181.
  29. August 4th, 1655. See Hvass/Bill-Jessen 2011, p. 128.
  30. Hvass/Bill-Jessen 2011, p. 363.
  31. 9.1.1669. See Hvass/Bill-Jessen 2011, p. 127.
  32. Baptised September 29th, 1645 (Helsingör, St. Mariae Sogns Kirkebog 1637-1732, p. 39b).
  33. http://www.hikuin.dk/kirkeklokker/klokkestoeber_oversigter.htm One of Claus’ ancestor’s Hans von Damm was one of the eldermen of the Hamburg guild in the 16th c. (Staatsarchiv Hamburg, Amt der Rotgießer, Amtsbuch der Ältermänner 1581-1675)
  34. Rudigier/Truyols 2019, passim.
  35. RA, Kammarkollegiet, Varuhus och handlingar, vol. 51-53 (1592-95). After Rudigier/Truyols 2019, p. 125, note 67.
  36. See C. Mettig, F. Moll: Illustrirter Führer durch Riga und Umgebung, Riga 1892, p. 23 and U. Thieme, F. Becker, eds.: Allgemeines Lexikon der bildenden Künstler von der Antike bis zur Gegenwart, 37 vols., Leipzig 1907-50, XXIV, p. 475. That is why the account is signed by Hans Meyer and not by Gerhardt. (LVVA, Stadtkasse Riga, Einnahmen, Ausgaben, Rechnungen, Quittungen 1574-1598, fol. 29r.) See also Rudigier/Truyols 2019, p. 125, note 68.
  37. Rudigier/Truyols 2019, p. 61.
  38. Cf. Rudigier/Truyols 2019, p. 125 note 69.
  39. Erich Larsson launched in 1628 goldwork which Meyer had prepared for the king’s purpose (RA, Räntekammarböcker 1626-30, Vol. 86, p. 160).
  40. LVVA, Rigasches Stadt-Waisen-Gericht, Verzeichnis der Verstorbenen alßwohl der Vormündere und Kinder Namen (1591-1615), fol. 43, Nr. 452.
  41. Cf. Hammarskiöld 1949/50, p. 47.
  42. Stockholm, Krigsarkivet, Krigskollegium, Arkliräkningar 1623, vol. 9-28.
  43. J.A.A. Lüdeke: Denkmal der Wieder-Eröffnung der Deutschen Kirche in Stockholm zur öffentlichen Gottes-Verehrung nach volendeter Ausbesserung 1821. Eine Predikt mit diplomatisch-historischen Beylagen, Stockholm 1823, p. 282; G. Elgenstierna: Den introducerade svenska adelns ättartavlor, 9 vols., Stockholm 1925-36, Vol. V, p. 9. Erich Larsson was given the peerage by Gustav II. Adolf in 1631.
  44. SSA, Tyska församlingen, Längder över uppburna bänkavgifter, 1625-1638.
  45. RA, Nynäsarkivet, Erik Gyllenstierna af Ulaborg arkiv, Vol. 9.
  46. Contract from 8.6.1641. KA, Krigskollegiet, Brevbok 1705 II, pp. 2157-2159. A wrong date given in J. Hedberg: Kungl. Artilleriet. Carl X Gustafs tid, Kristianstad 1982, p. 28.
  47. Hammarskiöld 1949/50, p. 38.
  48. Cf. Hammarskiöld 1949/50, p. 48.
  49. L.W. Munthe: Kongl. fortifikationens historia, 6 vols., Norstedt 1902, vol. 1, passim.
  50. KA, Krigskollegium kansliet B registratur 30 June 1655
  51. RA, Krigskollegiet till Kungl. Maj:t, Vol. 1, letter from Meyer’s widow, March 29th, 1656.
  52. SSA, Tyska församlingen, Övriga rekenskaper, Vol. 11, p. 15.
  53. [:sv:Kopparmatte|Nordisk Familjebok. Konversationslexikon och Realencyklopedi, 38 vols., Stockholm 1904-262, vol. 14, p. 991. Cf.]
  54. Before November 26th, 1655. Stockholm Stadsarkiv, Tyska församlingen, LI ab:10, Dödabok 1635-1680:R.s. 9,13. A wrong date is given on the family epitaph in S. Klara’s church.
  55. Request for getting the privilege dated 29.3.1656. (RA, Krigskollegiet till Kungl. Maj:t, Vol. 1) Maria von der Linde died 15.11.1678 (SSA, Jacobs-och Johannes församlingar, Döda 1637-1680, 25-91).
  56. He must have been 18 years old to get the privilege. Baptismal registers of the Stockholm German parish, however, do not go back further than 1639.
  57. Nordisk Familjebok 1904-26, vol. 18, p. 372.
  58. Cf. Hammarskiöld 1949/50, p. 49 who notes, that the foundry ran under Maria von der Linde’s name until her death in 1678.
  59. Nordisk Familjebok 1904-26, vol. 18, p. 372.
  60. See Pitkäranta, Reijo, Suomen kirkkojen latina. Piirtokirjoitukset kirkoissa, kellotapuleissa ja hautausmailla. (EFIL Ecclesiarum Finlandiae Inscriptiones Latinae), Helsinki 2004 (Suomen kirkkohistoriallisen seuran toimituksia, CXCIII).
  61. RA, De la Gardiska samlingen, account of 22.2.1673.
  62. 30.9.1679 (Jacobs-och Joannes församlingar, Döda 1637-1680, 223-724).
  63. Maria Köpke, daughter of a mason active in Drottningholm, married 1. Johan Meyer 23.4.1664 and 2. Michael Bader 12.5.1681 (SSA, Tyska församlingen, Vigselbok 1640-1700, 34 and 64).
  64. Baptised January 3rd, 1667 (SSA, Tyska församlingen, Dopbok 1639-1700, Nr. 505)
  65. Meyer tells these details of his life in a letter to the king on January 16th, 1693. Published by D. Diemer, L. Hinners: ""Gerhardt Meyer made me in Stockholm": a bronze "Bathing Woman" after Giambologna", The Burlington Magazine 160 (2018), pp. 545-553, Appendix 1.
  66. Hammarskiöld 1949/50, p. 51. Sweden had from 1679 onwards a period of eighteen years of peace which was used to provide its fleet with 2648 new cannons. See C.M. Cipolla: Segel und Kanonen. Die europäische Expansion zur See, Berlin 1999, p. 63.
  67. Hammarskiöld 1949/50, p. 42f.
  68. See L. Hinners: De fransöske handtwerkarne vid Stockholms slott 1693-1713. Yrkesroller, organisation, arbetsprocesser, Stockholm 2012 (Eidos. Skrifter från Konstvetenskapliga institutionen vid Stockholms universitet, XXV), passim.
  69. For Meyer’s request of January 16th, 1693 (RA, ämnessamlingar, Personhistoria, 756:1, vol. M 8a) see Diemer/Hinners 2018, p. 553, Appendix 1. For the king’s permission: letter from King Charles X of January 16th, 1693. (KA, Krigskollegiet, Brevböker 1693-99, Nr. 1257).
  70. About Keller see A. Magnien: "Les bronzes "Keller"», Bulletin de la société de l'histoire de l'art français 1996 (1997) pp. 37-63
  71. September 15th, 1693 (SSA, Jakobs- och Johannes församlingar, Döda 1681-1720, 52-126).
  72. Meyer’s passage from Stralsund to Ystad in July 1694 is documented (RA, Passväsendet, Vol. 4 (1693-1699).
  73. Daniel Cronström to Nicodemus Tessin the Younger of November 13th, 1693. Here cited after Tessin-Cronström 1964, p. 34.
  74. SSA, Klockgjutare ämbetet, Protokolle 1614-1844, fol. 58f.
  75. Privilege of January 4th, 1595. RA, Riksregistraturet 1523-1718, vol. 572, fol. 38. Here after Diemer/Hinners 2018, p. 548 note 26.
  76. RA, Riksarkivets ämnessamlingar, Personhistoria, Vol. M 8a. Here cited after Diemer/Hinners 2018, p. 353 Appendix 2 where this letter was first published. The date of the letter is discussed ibid, p. 552 note 67.
  77. "att få gjuta beläten och staturer samt annat arbeite..." The request was partly cited by Hammarskiöld 1949/50, p. 51, without giving a date and exact reference.
  78. Daniel Cronström to Nicodemus Tessin t. Y. of July 29th, 1695 "Je fus hier chez Mr. Keller. Meyer n’a veu chez luy que la fin des ouvrages faits pour la fonte d’une petite statue equestre du Roy". After Weigert, Roger-Armand and C. Hernmarck, eds.: Les relations artistiques entre la France et la Suède 1693-1718. Nicodemus Tessin le jeune et Daniel Cronström Correspondance (extraits), Stockholm 1964; Tessin-Cronström 1964, p. 89.
  79. Daniel Cronström to Nicodemus Tessin t. Y of July 29th, 1695. Cf. his letter of 13.11.1693. After Tessin-Cronström 1964, pp. 34 and 89. Meyer himself noticed in his letter to the king, that modelling would not be part of his profession (RA, Riksarkivets ämnessamlingar, Personhistoria, Vol. M 8a. Here cited after Diemer/Hinners 2018, p. 353 Appendix 2).
  80. Hinners 2012, p. 76.
  81. See Diemer/Hinners 2018.
  82. Diemer/Hinners 2018, p. 550.
  83. See arguments in A. Rudigier: ""Letter to the editor" [Response to D. Diemer, L. Hinners: ""Gerhardt Meyer made me in Stockholm": a bronze "Bathing Woman" after Giambologna", in: The Burlington Magazine 160 (2018), pp. 545-553]", The Burlington Magazine 160 (2018), pp. 813-815; Rudigier/Truyols 2019, pp. 275-289.
  84. See E. Pernicka, Venus of 1597: Analysis report, and Ch. Goedicke, Venus of 1597: TL Analysis, in Rudigier/Truyols 2019, pp. 293-303 and pp. 304-307.
  85. SSA, Klara församlingen, Döda 1680-1710, pp. 53, 456; 77, 774; 1103, 1106.
  86. Married September 5th, 1695 (SSA, Tyska församlingen, Vigselbok 1640-1700, p. 87).
  87. H. Hofberg, et al.: Svenskt Biografiskt Handlexikon, 2 vols., Stockholm 1906; Svenskt Biografiskt Handlexikon 1906, p. 141.
  88. Cf. Hammarskiöld 1949/50, p. 56.
  89. See Pitkäranta 2004.
  90. 1. Potsdam, Sanssouci, 2. Stockholm, Royal Palace, 3. Paris, Musée du Louvre, signed: "Gerh. Meijer fudit 1748, Holmiae".
  91. https://skd-online-collection.skd.museum/Details/Index/406125 The piece in Dresden signed: "Jaq. Phil. Bouchardon / sculpsit 1749 / Gerh. Meÿer fudit / Holmiae 1751"
  92. J. Böttiger: Das königliche Schloß zu Stockholm. Amtlicher Führer, Malmö 1911, pp. 20; 54.
  93. Nordisk Familjebok 1904-26, vol. 18, p. 373.
  94. Hammarskiöld 1949/50, p. 59.
  95. Hammarskiöld 1949/50, p. 59.
  96. Svenskt Biografiskt Handlexikon 1906, p. 141.
  97. Hammarskiöld 1949/50, p. 62.
  98. The spelling of the names has been standardised in order to make the list more comprehensive.
  99. These dates primarily refer to the dates given in the inscriptions otherwise to written sources.
  100. Inscriptions written in lower cases mean that the signature was reported by documents or thirds and the object itself is possibly lost.
  101. Losses in World War II not regarded. Most names of places have been taken unchanged from literature and are not updated to their actual political or linguistic belonging.