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Masonic Master Mason Apron
1817
Nathan Negus (1801-1825)
USA: Massachusetts, Boston
Paint on silk, cotton
body: 18"h x 17"w (no ties)
Special Acquisitions Fund
79.47

Shield-shaped Masonic apron with no flap. Handpainted with Masonic symbols: all-seeing eye at top, sun, "G" at center of cloud, moon with seven stars, hand holding plumbline, level, pair of central columns marked J and B, open Bible with square and compasses on top, three steps, triangular mosaic pavement at bottom center with trowel. Inscribed along one edge of the pavement is "Painted by Nathaniel Negus Boston 1817." Cotton backing.


Nathan Negus was born in Petersham, Massachusetts in 1801, the son of Joel and Basmeth Negus. In 1817, when he painted this apron, 16-year-old Negus was an apprentice in the shop of Boston ornamental painter John Ritto Penniman (1782-1841), a member of St. John’s Lodge. Over the course of his five years in Penniman’s shop, Negus became familiar with the artist's Masonic business, painting a number of Masonic aprons, as well as signs for Boston tradesmen, transparencies, and other decorative items. In 1820, after completing his apprenticeship, Nathan traveled to Georgia, where his older brother had been working as an itinerant artist and merchant. The brothers worked together and independently, becoming Freemasons in Georgia in 1821. Sadly, both men died while still in their 20s, Joseph in 1823, and Nathan in 1825, having returned home to Petersham just four days before. Never finished or worn, this apron may have been decorated as part of Negus’ instruction. For further information, see Newell, Aimee E., "The Badge of a Freemason," 2015, p. 104-105.



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