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1800-1825
Maker not marked
USA: New York (Probably)
silk, satin,
MOUNTED ON BOARD: 20-1/4"h x 21-1/2"w x 1/4"d; overall apron: 16-1/8"h x 16-3/4"w
Museum Purchase
87.36
Embroidered Masonic Master Mason silk apron with shield-shaped body and rounded flap; shows design of printed apron by Valdenuit; on flap: square and compasses in Fellow Craft position with ribbon reading "Amor Virtus Charitas"; on white silk body are steps with checkered pavement, columns, altar with canopy and background, working tools in front of steps, pink embroidered cable tows on left and right; satin stitch and silk woven in chenille; border of floral vine. White with colored embroidery.
Female relatives of Masons are thought to have decorated many embroidered aprons from the early 1800s. Embroidered on silk with silk and chenille thread, this apron shows the kind of refined sewing skills taught to young women and girls at female academies. The woman who embroidered this apron seems to have used an engraved apron, as the model for her design. For further information, see Newell, Aimee E., "The Badge of a Freemason," 2015. p.54-55.