Masonic Medal

C. Foote

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Fraternal societies of freemasons, first introduced into the American colonies around 1730, became increasingly popular following the Revolutionary War. The enthusiasm for Freemasonry went hand in hand with a growing interest in the Enlightenment and with ideals of equality. Having developed originally out of craft guilds, Freemasonry often adopted symbols of the crafts—for instance the architect's square as a symbol of virtue—as well as religious and heraldic devices. Jewelry formed an important part of the regalia. This shield-shaped silver medal was made as a personal jewel for Lockwood N. DeForest, a member of Jerusalem Chapter No. 13 of Bridgeport, Connecticut. It is engraved with various masonic devices and scripts, as well as with DeForest's own emblem of a three-masted schooner flying a pennant and the American flag and the date June 8, 1826. The signature of the engraver, C. Foote, appears below the sailing ship.

The American Wing

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The American Wing's ever-evolving collection comprises some 20,000 works of art by African American, Euro American, Latin American, and Native American men and women. Ranging from the colonial to early-modern periods, the holdings include painting, sculpture, works on paper, and decorative arts—including furniture, textiles, ceramics, glass, silver, metalwork, jewelry, basketry, quill and bead embroidery—as well as historical interiors and architectural fragments.

Metropolitan Museum of Art