Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Masonic Model with Shadow Box
a: ca. 1887; b: 20th century
George M. Silsbee (1840-1900)
USA: Colorado, Leadville
a: thermoplastic, wood, plaster, paint, stone, cotton; b: wood, plastic, metal
Overall a: 23-1/2"h x 12-1/2"w x 6-1/2"d; Overall b: 24-3/4"h x 15"w x 8-1/8"d
Museum Purchase
2020.010.1a-b

Masonic Model with Shadow Box. a: Model features miniature Masonic symbols within an arched display panel on a raised platform base. Base features three 6-1/4"-tall columns along front, all painted to produce a marble effect in shades of tan, pinkish brown, and grey; center column is Corinthian style, PR one is Ionic, and PL one is Doric; attached to front panel below base of center column is a grey shield-shaped panel that bears the text, "G S M [in stylized lettering, with the G and the M in white and the S in pink] / "1887 [in yellow]". At back of this area, columns on either end have squared sides. Panels of trim between columns along front have curved edges; on sides, they have central, shield-shaped decorative tablets with curved trim on either side. Floor and back panel of lower level of raised platform are covered in black velvet (likely cotton); area under top platform is painted light blue. Upper portion of model (from platform up) has a back panel with straight sides and an arched top; it is mostly composed of sparkly grey thermoplastic. At front corners of its main platform are two columns (Jachin and Boaz); its floor is decorated with marblized paint in pink, tan, and grey tones with a checkerboard panel at center back. Behind this, three steps lead up to an altar with an open bible on it and a column on either side; surrounding the altar, whose front bears the symbols, "+ = II", are three candlestands (two on PR and one on PL); there is a kneeler in front of altar. Resting on floor on PR side of altar are a rough ashlar with a measuring stick and a mallet; on PL side, a perfect ashlar and a white chart with black Masonic symbols. On wall on either side of columns are cut-out shelves with items on them: to PR these include an hourglass, a shoe, and a white apron on a panel; to PL, a beehive, a globe-shaped object, and a diamond-shaped panel with a cross at center and the letters "FPJT" at the corners. Above these shelf panels, more objects are mounted on the wall: on PR side, a sword, a heart, and a plumb, and on PL side, a saber, a book, and a level. At top of central arch is a suspended, gold-colored metal "G"; above this, a metal square and compasses with a trowel at center is applied. On either side of these, above columns, are a set of scales (PL side) and the 47th Problem of Euclid (PR). Within gold lines along arches are various rough stone or mineral shapes. On platform above this are five columns (four along back wall and one at front center), of various Ionic, Corinthian, and Doric styles; at center of this platform is a grey panel with raised Egyptian figures on it in white (woman on PR and winged man holding scythe on PL), with a white broken column next to it; in marblized arch to PR, a ladder with the black letters "CHP" between its rungs, and a sculpture of a weeping man; in marblized arch to PL, Jachin and Boaz columns at front, with a curved staircase with a door at top. Top platform has three arches: central one has Ark of the Covenant with three Masonic squares laid upright along its front and another one on top; text on its front: "[four unidentified symbols] 3000"; a maul, an ax, a shovel, and a rod are laid at its sides. Applied at top of central arch is a panel with an open palm. Within PR arch, an ark and an anchor; within PL arch, a coffin, a mallet, and a shovel. Above, within main top arch of model, a large central delta with an all-seeing eye at center and marble effect around sides; within bottom side of delta is a pair of white clasped hands. To PR of delta against grey thermoplastic background, a gold sun with a comet above; to PL, a crescent moon and nine stars. Main arch at top of model has marblized paint; at top, keystone with "HTWSSTKS" and a shield with square and compasses within; in raised letters, "CHARITY" (along either side of keystone); "HOPE" (at PL end of arch); and "FAITH" (at PR end). Back of model painted light blue. b: Varnished wood shadow box with acrylic glazing.

A mining engineer, George M. Silsbee crafted this intricate model. On each level he portrayed Masonic symbols as three-dimensional objects shaped in plaster, stone, metal, wood, and other materials. The first two levels feature symbols taken from the first three degrees of Freemasonry. The upper level highlights symbols from the Royal Arch degree. At the very bottom, on a blue shield, Silsbee cut his own initials in script, along with the year he likely completed this arresting work. For further information, see blog post, July 30, 2020, https://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/library_and_archives/2020/07/new-to-the-collection-george-m-silsbees-masonic-model-1.