Independent Order of Odd Fellows Papercut1900–1925Frame: 31 1/2 x 31 1/2 x 3/4 " (80 x 80 x 1.9 cm)Cut paperGift of Kendra and Allan Daniel2015.1.4001554865090Joseph George HeuerDrawingsThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain.PittsburghPittsburghUnited StatesPennsylvaniaWorks on PaperFraternal Art and ObjectsJosé Andrés RamírezPittsburghThis 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.
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.orgThe art known as Scherenschnitte, German for “paper cuts,” was brought to colonial America by German immigrants, many of whom settled in Pennsylvania. The technique is marked by its lacy symmetry and typically incorporates birds, animals, flowers, hearts, and other figures. This highly complex papercut is one of at least three fraternal pieces presumably cut by the same artist, who signed and dated one example “Joseph G. Heurs, 1919.” It is notable for its Odd Fellows symbols: three-link chain, all-seeing eye, scales, crossed axes, open books, clasped hands, skull and crossbones, coffins, and hourglasses. These last three symbols are associated with mortality. Like many fraternal groups, the Odd Fellows Initiatory Degree included the theme of death and resurrection; the candidate would be reborn as a full member of the group.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Papercut," 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. 19001925 2015 1 40 This 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.
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.orgThe art known as Scherenschnitte, German for “paper cuts,” was brought to colonial America by German immigrants, many of whom settled in Pennsylvania. The technique is marked by its lacy symmetry and typically incorporates birds, animals, flowers, hearts, and other figures. This highly complex papercut is one of at least three fraternal pieces presumably cut by the same artist, who signed and dated one example “Joseph G. Heurs, 1919.” It is notable for its Odd Fellows symbols: three-link chain, all-seeing eye, scales, crossed axes, open books, clasped hands, skull and crossbones, coffins, and hourglasses. These last three symbols are associated with mortality. Like many fraternal groups, the Odd Fellows Initiatory Degree included the theme of death and resurrection; the candidate would be reborn as a full member of the group.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Papercut," 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.