Emblems for Royal Crown Lodge No. 22 1810 - 1815

This vibrant painting, "Emblems for Royal Crown Lodge No. 22," was created in the United States by an anonymous artist. It provides insight into the fraternal culture taking root in the early 19th century. We see a fascinating blend of symbols, from Masonic iconography to images of maternal virtue. The all-seeing eye, the handshake, and the hourglass speak to the rituals and moral teachings of the Royal Crown Lodge. Rendered in a naive style, the painting likely hung in the lodge hall, a constant reminder of the group's values. The Latin phrases, "Amicitia Amor et Veritas," meaning "Friendship, Love, and Truth," underscore these virtues. Studying lodge records, membership lists, and period documents can reveal the specific social and political context in which this painting was made and exhibited. Understanding the values and aspirations of the Royal Crown Lodge helps us understand the broader social and institutional history of fraternal organizations in early America.