Independent Order of Odd Fellows Plaque1850–190015 x 15 x 1 1/2 " (38.1 x 38.1 x 3.8 cm)Paint and gold leaf on woodGift of Kendra and Allan Daniel2015.1.1801554475051Artist unidentifiedSculptureThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. United StatesThree Dimensional WorksFraternal Art and ObjectsSometimes the fraternal context of an artwork is apparent only to an eye trained to “read” the symbolic language of fraternity. The sun represented on this plaque, with carved rays all around, is used as a symbol by various American fraternal groups. Research in nineteenth-century regalia catalogs reveals many lodges purchased such plaques to decorate their walls. For the Odd Fellows, the sun represented “truth, in its fullness and glory.”
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Plaque," exhibition label for Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2016.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org18501900 2015 1 18 Sometimes the fraternal context of an artwork is apparent only to an eye trained to “read” the symbolic language of fraternity. The sun represented on this plaque, with carved rays all around, is used as a symbol by various American fraternal groups. Research in nineteenth-century regalia catalogs reveals many lodges purchased such plaques to decorate their walls. For the Odd Fellows, the sun represented “truth, in its fullness and glory.”
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Plaque," exhibition label for Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2016.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org