Ernst Mayer was a professor of geometry, hydrography, cartography and freelance writing at the Naval Academy in Rijeka, which in the 19th and 20th century was synonymous with higher education and respectable society. In addition to being a distinguished professor, Mayer was also a painter. Despite Mayer not being an academic painter, his works are extremely inspired and skilled. The Museum of the City of Rijeka within the holdings of the Art Collection preserves a very valuable work of art by Ernst Mayer, which was shown to the public through a catalog and an exhibition.