Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

George Washington as a Mason
1903
James Wilson Alexander MacDonald (1824-1908), sculptor; National Lead Company, foundry
USA: New York, New York
a: lead; b: metal
overall: 19-1/4"h x 7"w x 6-3/8"d
Gift of Lon Heibeck
2018.010a-b

a: Standing figure of George Washington, right hand holding gavel and resting on pedestal. Wears Masonic apron and collar. b: Square of silver metal that was covering the underside of the base.

Artists have long celebrated George Washington's Masonic career. Depictions in many formats of the first U.S. President as a Freemason have been a well-received offering—for display in lodges, public spaces, and private homes—since the late 1700s. This small sculpture, issued by a paint manufacturer, follows in this tradition and shows Washington (1732-1799) as Master of his Lodge, Alexandria Lodge No. 22, wielding a gavel and wearing a jewel of office and a Masonic apron.