Masonic Armchair
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.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.