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Masonic Apron
1812
Thomas Kensett
USA: Connecticut, Cheshire
Silk, cotton, ink
overall: 17 1/4 x 14 x 1/8 in.; 43.815 x 35.56 x .3175 cm
Gift of Robert U. Brown
85.76.1

Masonic Apron; rectangular body with rounded flap; engraving on silk of a four-deck colonaded Masonic structure, flanked by Corinthian columns (Jachin and Boaz) with netted and tassled chapiters surmounted by terrestial and celestial globes; above the upper deck, two angels support drapery beneath the inscription "Hail! Heavenly Virtue Thine is a Sacred flame"; above all, an allegorical figure of Charity; flap is decorated with the all-seeing Eye; reads on bottom of engraving "T. Kensett / Cheshire Connect / Sculpt et Edidit <DCCCX / Copyright secured." At bottom center is printed "The Masters Carpet Compleat." At center bottom is the motto "Silence and Circumspection." Light blue pleated silk ribbon on body, also binds flap. One blue tie. Cotton backing.


To prepare this printed apron for wearing, a seamstress has hemmed the edges and added blue trim to the flap and the sides. The original owner would have also used ties, now missing, to wear the apron around his waist.