Papercut: Odd Fellows Symbols1919Sheet: 28 1/2 x 28 1/2 " (72.4 x 72.4 cm)
Frame: 32 x 32 x 1 1/2 " (81.3 x 81.3 x 3.8 cm)Cut paperEva and Morris Feld Folk Art Acquisition Fund1985.40.20Papercut of concentric circles and stars with symbols of various fraternal organizations. 1" square border all around composed of repeating three link chains; containing 25 1/2" diameter circle touching border at four poles; arc with rainbows, temple with yellow trees, scythe, hourglass, coffin and serpent in four formed corners. Ten pointed star with multi-borders inside large circle, alternating fraternal symbols within and between each point, including skull and cross-bones over hour glass, scales over double axes and all-seeing eye with heart over three link chain on top; clasped hands over open book below. 8" dia. circle onside containing 5 pointed star on "fishnet" ground. Large circle, border. Outer border cut in four pieces and overlapped T, B, LS and RS. 1529611062Joseph George HeuerDrawingshttp://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster13492PittsburghPittsburghUnited StatesPennsylvaniaWorks on PaperFraternal Art and ObjectsPittsburghPapercutThis highly complex fraternal papercut is one of several cut by Joseph G. Heuer (1876–1954) between the 1890s and 1953. According to information provided by descendants, the artist was a 33rd Degree Mason and was Master of his Lodge. He was also District Deputy of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania that holds one of the papercuts. Heuer was born in the 10th Ward District of Pittsburgh and earned a degree in electrical engineering. Although he made his living in sales, he also wrote music and patented inventions. His last papercut, made in 1953, remains in the family and was bequeathed to the first male heir to become a Mason.According to John Hamilton (see letter, file 1985.40.1) this papercut is "...quite obviously made for the Odd Fellows.. and exhibits all the standard symbols of that beneficial order, plus one or two that are not normally used. The bundle of rods (signifying unity) and the arc and rainbow (token of faith in something better) are not encountered too often." This example and 1985.40.1 seem to be very unusual examples of the use of Masonic symbolism in the decorative arts. Hamilton writes that "we have not seen this sort of thing to date."http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster13492http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster13492http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster1349219191919 1985 40 2 PapercutThis highly complex fraternal papercut is one of several cut by Joseph G. Heuer (1876–1954) between the 1890s and 1953. According to information provided by descendants, the artist was a 33rd Degree Mason and was Master of his Lodge. He was also District Deputy of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania that holds one of the papercuts. Heuer was born in the 10th Ward District of Pittsburgh and earned a degree in electrical engineering. Although he made his living in sales, he also wrote music and patented inventions. His last papercut, made in 1953, remains in the family and was bequeathed to the first male heir to become a Mason.According to John Hamilton (see letter, file 1985.40.1) this papercut is "...quite obviously made for the Odd Fellows.. and exhibits all the standard symbols of that beneficial order, plus one or two that are not normally used. The bundle of rods (signifying unity) and the arc and rainbow (token of faith in something better) are not encountered too often." This example and 1985.40.1 seem to be very unusual examples of the use of Masonic symbolism in the decorative arts. Hamilton writes that "we have not seen this sort of thing to date."