A Free Mason Form’d out of the Materials of his Lodge, 1754 A. Slade, artist William Tringham (1723-1770), publisher London, England Collection of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, GL2004.0141

In the 1700s Americans who sought to depict Masonic symbols often relied on English models for their own work. An English engraver, A. Slade, cleverly formed this figure of a Mason out of Masonic symbols. The fanciful Freemason wears a plain apron, much like the kind a workman might have used. The hole at the center of the apron flap would have allowed the wearer to secure the apron to a coat button. This attachment would have helped keep clothing free from dust or debris.