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Man in Masonic Past Master Regalia
ca. 1868
Hewitt & Searles
USA: New York, Amsterdam
Photograph on paper mounted on card
overall: 4"h x 2-1/2"w
Special Acquisitions Fund
88.42.42

Sepia-tone carte-de-visite of unidentified standing man in top hat wearing collar, jewel and apron of Masonic Master. Wears white gloves and holds gavel on table next to him on which rests a Bible. Handwritten on back at top PR, in pencil, "Elected master / Dec 1867 / " 1868"; below this, stamped in black ink, is the manufacturer logo, which has decorative floral designs surrounding the text: "HEWITT & SEARLES, / PHOTOGRAPHERS. / 174 MAIN ST., [UP STAIRS,] / Amsterdam, N.Y."


Working together the Amsterdam, New York, photographers Thaddeus S. Hewitt and George Searles made this portrait of an unidentified lodge Master around 1867. The subject came to the studio dressed as if he were presiding over a meeting, wearing his jewel of office suspended from velvet collar, a top hat, white gloves, and a richly decorated apron. The gavel and Bible at his side are further reminders of his authority and responsibility.



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