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Masonic Armchair

1775–90
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 749
The seat and legs of this example are typical of the best Boston Rococo chairs, but the back is unusual. It is made up of Masonic symbols: fluted columns (referring to King Solomon’s temple), a rusticated arch (arch of heaven), a compass and square (faith and reason), a mason’s level (equality), a serpent swallowing its tail (rebirth), and a trowel (cement of brotherly love). The chair was probably made for the senior warden of an as-yet-unidentified Massachusetts lodge.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Masonic Armchair
  • Date: 1775–90
  • Geography: Probably made in Boston, Massachusetts, United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Painted mahogany, maple; horsehair, linen, upholstery foundation (original)
  • Dimensions: 50 1/2 x 25 5/8 x 24 3/4 in. (128.3 x 65.1 x 62.9 cm)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. George M. Kaufman, 2000
  • Object Number: 2000.192
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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