Independent Order of Odd Fellows Bury the Dead Sign1850–190010 1/4 × 94 1/2 × 1 1/4"Paint and traces of gold leaf on woodGift of Kendra and Allan Daniel2015.1.10001555125118Artist unidentifiedArchitectureThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster28734United StatesThree Dimensional WorksFraternal Art and ObjectsThe charitable aims of the Odd Fellows included burying the dead. This particular aim provided a strong incentive for men to join at a time when families might otherwise be unable to afford burial expenses. Funds contributed by the brotherhood were dispensed to aid a member in need or his family. This imposing sign, probably made by a professional sign painter who was not necessarily a member, once hung prominently in an Odd Fellows lodge. Its stark but effective message is picked out in gold leaf, which would have glittered in the lighting of the period, drawing the eyes to its words and accentuating their meaning.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Bury the Dead 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/termMaster2873418501900 2015 1 100 The charitable aims of the Odd Fellows included burying the dead. This particular aim provided a strong incentive for men to join at a time when families might otherwise be unable to afford burial expenses. Funds contributed by the brotherhood were dispensed to aid a member in need or his family. This imposing sign, probably made by a professional sign painter who was not necessarily a member, once hung prominently in an Odd Fellows lodge. Its stark but effective message is picked out in gold leaf, which would have glittered in the lighting of the period, drawing the eyes to its words and accentuating their meaning.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Bury the Dead 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