Details
Title [Portrait of unidentified African American man attired in masonic regalia ] [graphic].
Publisher [United States]
Date [ca. 1870]
Physical Description 1 photograph : tintype in case ; plate 70 x 83 mm (sixth plate format)
Description Full-length studio portrait of an African American man, likely a Prince Hall Freemason, wearing a masonic sash and apron. He stands and rests his right hand on the corner of a wooden chair. Sitter has a mustache and is attired in a white collared shirt, cravat-like bowtie, vest, and loose fitting jacket and pants. A gilt-colored ring adorns his hand that rests on the chair. The base of of a posing standing is also visible behind the mason's feet. Prince Hall Freemasonry is the oldest African American masonic organization in the United States. A branch of North American Freemasonry, it was founded by Prince Hall in 1784. Prince Hall Masons not only practiced the secret rituals and moral teachings of Freemasons worldwide, but also a commitment to racial uplift, mutual aid, and social justice.
Notes Title supplied by cataloger.
Date inferred from photographic medium and attire of the sitter.
Pad: Red velvet with scrollwork design in center within ornamented rectangle border.
Mat: Oval.
Case: Leather. Center medallion within nonpareil-like border surrounded by curving scrolls. Same design on verso.
RVCDC
Subject African American freemasons -- United States.
African American men -- United States.
African American men -- Clothing & dress -- United States.
Genre Tintypes -- 1860-1870.
Portrait photographs -- 1860-1870.
Photograph cases -- 1860-1870.
Location Library Company of Philadelphia| Print Department| Cased photos - – unid photo – unid sitter – tintype [P.2025.5]
Accession number P.2025.5