Folk Art
Model Temple
circa.
1887
Treasures of the Temple
While recently cleaning and reorganizing the display cases at the Masonic
Library and Museum of Pennsylvania, a unique and incomparable piece was
“rediscovered.” Purported to be of French origin, the piece is a “Model
Temple,” 9” in height, formed mainly of silk and metallic threads, situated on
a 14 ½ x 17 ¼” wooden base and protected by a glass encasement. The Masonic
symbolism is immediately apparent in the exterior of this finely-wrought
piece: The two columns at the front of the Temple, possibly representing
Jachin and Boaz; the black and white mosaic “tiles” of the floor; the square
and compass over the doorway; and the word “Jehovah,” in Hebrew, in the
pediment. Upon further examination, it was discovered that the roof of the
Temple could be removed completely allowing a thorough inspection of the
interior.
The true skill of the craftsman is now apparent, as no detail has been
overlooked. The underside of the roof is domed and decorated with blue
embroidery and many golden stars. Black and white mosaic tiles also adorn the
interior floor of the Temple. Three steps lead to a Masonic altar, decorated
with the square and compass. In this tiny space, the craftsman found a way to
leave his mark on the piece. On the back wall there is a small oil painting;
it depicts the eruption of Mount Vesuvius over the ruins of Pompeii. The
painting is only 2 ¼ x 3”, yet it manages to convey the majestic power of the
erupting volcano in vibrant colors. The signature of F. de Pauw and a date of
1887 is visible in the lower left hand corner of the painting.
Up until this point, there was no certainty regarding the maker and age of
this piece. There is a small brass plaque on the wooden base that reads “F.
de Pauw 32,” but there was no way of determining what relationship, if any,
that F. De Pauw had to the piece. Now, after finding the same name signed on
the painting inside the Temple, it can be said with some certainty that F. de
Pauw was the craftsman of the piece. To celebrate its rediscovery and 125th
birthday, the piece will be displayed more prominently in the museum, so all
may be able to examine for themselves the wonderful details of the Model
Temple.
A special "Thank You" to Laura
Libert for submitting the pictures and description of this wonderful Model
Temple. Her article originally appeared in the Pennsylvania Freemason
magazine.
(Click Here) to visit the Library and Museum of the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania.
