Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Cut Paper Picture or Scherenschnitte with Masonic and Independent Order of Odd Fellows Symbols
ca. 1850
Maker not marked
USA: Pennsylvania (possibly)
Paper; wood, glass
overall: 12-1/2"h x 31-3/4"w x 1/2"d
Gift of the Estate of Charles V. Hagler
85.20.12

Framed cut paper picture, or Scherenschnitte, on black ground with a cat standing at the bottom of a tree filled with birds on each side of an altar. Above the altar are cupids and Masonic square and compasses and Odd Fellows three link symbol; two ladies holding parasols flank the altar base. Done on lined paper.

German immigrants who primarily settled in Pennsylvania brought the art of paper cutting, known as Scherenschnitte, to the American colonies. Scherenschnitte, which means "scissor cuts" in German, often shows symmetry in its design. Traditionally Scherenschnitte artists created images that featured animals, plants, flowers and patriotic symbols. This one also includes the square and compasses used in Freemasonry at its center and the three links associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows above.