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Martin Birdbath

History

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found postedwithin the park.

This decorative marble birdbath was donated by the family of Edith Deacon Martin (1898–1941). Italian-born sculptor Oronzio Maldarelli (1892–1963) created the piece, which sits opposite the Central Park Zoo cafeteria. When the birdbath was dedicated in 1942, it was placed near the Lion House. After renovation of the zoo complex in the mid-1980s, the piece was removed and conserved by Parks. Parks Monuments crews uncovered a fish-like insignia and an inscription near the base with Martin’s name. Also revealed during the conservation was the Latin phrase along the rim of the basin meaning “To the Greater Glory of God” and the Greek word for fish, a Christian symbol. A sculpture of three doves crowns the piece.

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Martin Birdbath Details

  • Location: Cafeteria pergola, formerly the Lion House
  • Sculptor: Oronzio Maldarelli
  • Description: Bird bath
  • Materials: Colorado black marble and white marble
  • Dimensions: H: 5'6"
  • Dedicated: 1942
  • Donor: Edith Deacon Martin
  • Inscription: EDITH DEACON MARTIN / 1898 1941 / OMNIA AD MAIROEM DE GLORIAM/

Please note, the NAME field includes a primary designation as well as alternate namingsoften in common or popular usage. The DEDICATED field refers to the most recent dedication, most often, butnot necessarily the original dedication date. If the monument did not have a formal dedication, the yearlisted reflects the date of installation.

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