THE YOUNG MEHER STATUE
THE ARTIST
Khoren Der Harootian
Khoren Der Harootian was born in Ashodavan, Armenia, in 1909. He came to the United States with his mother and sisters in 1921 after witnessing the tragic scenes of the Armenian Genocide. He lived in Worcester, Massachusetts, and began to paint while he was still a high school student. After finishing his studies, he moved to Jamaica to paint, and become fascinated with sculpture, primarily carving in the island’s native hardwoods.
Der Harootian came back to the United States and had his first one-man show of paintings and sculpture at the Kraushaar Gallery, New York, in 1945. From then on, working in his New York Studio, he concentrated on sculpture in stone and marble. He was commissioned by the Armenian Bicentennial Commemoration Committee in 1974 and created a 22-foot bronze sculpture of Meher. His work stands in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and was unveiled during the American Bicentennial commemoration. Khoren Der Harootian passed away February 1991.
STATUE DETAILS
Meher -- a legendary figure of inspiring power symbolizing the invincible faith of the Armenian people and the first nation to embrace Christianity (301 AD).
The dimensions are: Sculpture (includes upper base with reliefs): approx. 168 x 70 x 120 in.; Lower base (red granite): approx. 28 x 79 x 128 in. SIRIS offers the following description: A bronze standing male figure, "Meher," in a middle ages battle uniform, facing south, with proper left leg forward and bent, proper right leg extended behind.
Figure appears to be in process of kneeling. Face is pointed upward and arms are raised high with elbows bent; both hands are clutching a cross. Figure stands atop a granite upper base that contains bronze figurative reliefs depicting scenes from Armenian history. The statue and upper base are supported by a thick lower base. A flat rock, situated in front of the sculpture supports a plaque with text.
THE STATUE RELIEFS
The four bronze plaques can be found on the base of the Meher statue.
Keeping watch over the spiritual and cultural heritage of Armenia
Amid the ashes of martyrs, mother and child look to freedom for Armenia and all nations
Day of Infamy - April 24, 1915 - The Genocide and martyrdom of the Armenian nation
St. Vartan at the Battle of Avarayr (451 A.D.) History's first defense of the Christian faith
The two bronze plaques in front of the monument (found on the ground), which are attached to a large, flat rock.
Top Transcription:
On this day, April 24, 1976, commemorating the 61st anniversary of the martyrdom of the Armenian nation and celebrating the bicentennial year of American independence, We Americans of Armenian heritage in eternal gratitude to God dedicate this monument to our adopted land of freedom, The United States of America.
Bottom Transcription:
*The Sculpture* *MEHER* A legendary figure of inspiring power symbolizing the invincible faith of the Armenian people, the first nation to embrace Christianity (301 A.D.) Sculpture by KHOREN DER HAROOTIAN Initiated by the Knights of VartanDirected and brought to fruition by The Armenian Bicentennial Commemoration Committee
THE LEGEND
The story of Meher goes back to the Middle Ages and is depicted in an Armenian epic story called “The Daredevils of Sassoun,” a heroic folktale that dramatizes the story of a whole nation voicing their aspiration and dreams of freedom.
It springs from the legendary deeds of four generations of noble strongmen who dwelled in the Armenian highlands of Sassoun:
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King Sanasar, who was born of the water;
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Arutz Meher (Lion Meher), who earned his nickname “Lion” because he killed a terrorizing lion and saved his village;
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His son, David of Sassoun, who fought single-handedly against the occupying King of Egypt;
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David’s son, Young Meher (depicted in the sculpture), who was condemned by his father to be deathless.
After many heroic battles against the enemy, Young Meher was imprisoned in a cave called Raven’s Rock. The story goes that once a year the cave’s door would open, and Young Meher would come out but immediately return back to the cave, asserting he would not come out until justice and freedom fully prevailed on the land. The story of these heroic warriors, deeply ingrained in the hearts of all Armenians, is a record of determination and courage ringing with the fervent desire for liberty and justice. The spirit of Young Meher epitomizes the Armenian peoples' undying love for freedom and their Christian faith, and symbolizes the ideals that have sustained them through the turbulence and tragedies of their history.
LEARN ABOUT THE PROJECT
Discover the legend of the Meher statue, the artist behind its creation, and the intricate details that make it a unique cultural and artistic treasure within Philadelphia’s vast library of sculptures. Learn More
This project holds deep symbolic and cultural significance for both the Armenian community and the City of Philadelphia. Explore the inspiration behind it and the many details that make it truly special. Learn More
On April 24, 1976, Armenians from across the country gathered in Philadelphia to unveil and dedicate a statue honoring the legendary Armenian hero, Young Meher. Explore the history and view photos from this momentous day. Learn More
