I see a fair number of late 19th century "Home Sweet Home" punch/perforated paper needlepoint embroideries, but I don't believe I've come across a Masonic example, at least not one nearly as elaborate as this one, the iconography of which most closely resembles that found on elaborate antique silk Masonic aprons. A note taped to the back tells us this was the work of a Gertrude O'Connor of Harvey, Illinois, made for her husband Benjamin, a member of Lodge 832. And based on its being about 90 years old in 1977, we can assume it was done in the 1880s or so. Fabulous colors, fabulous patterns, and fabulous combination of all seeing eye at top, smiling sun, moon and stars, and columns topped with terrestrial and celestial globes. And then the open book with square and compass and this wonderful checkerboard floor (mosaic pavement), understood to represent the interplay of opposing forces and to nod to the ground floor of King Solomon's temple. As you probably know by now, I'm not the least bit religious, but I would say "God" is in the details!
23 1/4" x 18 1/2". Overall good condition, in its original frame, with original glass. I opened it up to check the condition--and to clean the glass. The embroidery is sewn to a cardboard backing, with a thin piece of cloth between the perforated paper and the cardboard. It would be a bit of a project to remove it from the cardboard backing, so I simply put it back in the frame and added a few more nails to the back. The cardboard has aged, but it seems quite stable, and aside from a few light stains, general toning to the perforated paper, and a couple of very minor edge losses, it is in good shape.
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