Masonic Sign187134 1/4 x 28 x 1 3/4 " (87 x 71.1 x 4.4 cm)Paint and gold leaf on woodGift of Kendra and Allan Daniel2015.1.3001554585062David MorrillArchitectureThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain.http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster28734United StatesVermontThree Dimensional WorksFraternal Art and ObjectsThis unique Masonic plaque is probably the work of ornamental painter David Morrill, who was born in New Hampshire, moved to Vermont, and served as a soldier during the War of 1812. In addition to painting carriages and sleighs, Morrill’s account books reveal that he also decorated signs, chairs, cradles, chimney pieces, and floorcloths.
The plaque displays a combination of dimensional symbols against a patriotic background mimicking the American flag in the form of a shield. The all-seeing eye, symbolizing watchfulness, and the central “G,” signifying God, geometry, or both, are pervasive Masonic icons. The blue canton includes a ladder with three rungs and the initials “CHF,” representing charity, hope, and faith. An ark and anchor signifying “a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life” play against the red-and-white stripes. The sign also includes a sword pointing to a heart, symbolizing that “justice will sooner or later overtake us.”
Morrill is listed as a member of Orange Mark Lodge No. 14 in 1825. After his death in 1878, he was remembered in a published history of Norwich, Vermont, as “a firm believer in the mystic order, [who] governed his daily life by the square and rule.”
Stacy C. Hollander, "Masonic Sign," 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.orghttp://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster28734http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster28734http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster2873418711871 2015 1 30 This unique Masonic plaque is probably the work of ornamental painter David Morrill, who was born in New Hampshire, moved to Vermont, and served as a soldier during the War of 1812. In addition to painting carriages and sleighs, Morrill’s account books reveal that he also decorated signs, chairs, cradles, chimney pieces, and floorcloths.
The plaque displays a combination of dimensional symbols against a patriotic background mimicking the American flag in the form of a shield. The all-seeing eye, symbolizing watchfulness, and the central “G,” signifying God, geometry, or both, are pervasive Masonic icons. The blue canton includes a ladder with three rungs and the initials “CHF,” representing charity, hope, and faith. An ark and anchor signifying “a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life” play against the red-and-white stripes. The sign also includes a sword pointing to a heart, symbolizing that “justice will sooner or later overtake us.”
Morrill is listed as a member of Orange Mark Lodge No. 14 in 1825. After his death in 1878, he was remembered in a published history of Norwich, Vermont, as “a firm believer in the mystic order, [who] governed his daily life by the square and rule.”
Stacy C. Hollander, "Masonic Sign," 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