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Notes

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This portrait of a Freemason is something of a mystery. The man is wearing a mixture of different regalia including an apron, gauntlet cuffs and Masonic medals, or jewels, that do not quite match. The painting is dated 1854, but the apron has an unusual design that was not used at this time. Painted underneath the artist’s signature is the word ‘Simla’, now Shimla, which is located in the Indian Himalayas. There was a Masonic lodge meeting there in the 1850s. It was under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England, which is the governing body of Freemasonry in England and Wales, but which also operates lodges overseas. It is possible the sitter is wearing the only regalia that was available there.

Museum of Freemasonry

London

Title

Portrait of a Freemason

Date

1854

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 56 x W 45 cm

Accession number

M2010.1348

Acquisition method

unknown acquisition method

Work type

Painting

Inscription description

None

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Museum of Freemasonry

Freemasons' Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London, Greater London WC2B 5AZ England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.

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Artist or maker

Alexander Sandor Svoboda

1826–1896

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