History of Freemasons in the Arts
From About Freemasons
Masons are closely linked to the arts in many ways. The Masons have supported artists through scholarships and patronage, and many lodges have created or paid for beautiful artworks. In addition, many famous writers, artists, and architects have been Masons, and their affiliation with Freemasonry has affected their work.
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Masonic architecture
Historians claim that Masonic architecture has influenced everything from lodges to gardens and historic buildings. Some even claim that the city of Washington, D.C. itself was built and designed around Masonic symbols. However, getting historians and scholars to agree what Masonic architecture actually is tends to be more difficult. Most historians agree that Masonic architecture is characterized by the use of certain symbols – such as the compass, or the three roses, for example, which are said to be a sign of perfection. Masonic architecture in the United States actually predates the founding of the country. Many of America’s founding fathers were Masons. As a result, elements of Masonic architecture and secret Masonic symbols are evident on many historic buildings across the country.
Music and the Masons
Many lodges created songs and cantatas for the enjoyment of members and for special occasions – including secret rituals. In fact, over the years many lodges had their own orchestra or an organist or a choir. Many of the piano pieces or orchestral pieces that were either created by Masons or were commissions by them were without words but were designed to incorporate Masonic symbolism. Many of these musical pieces were created for lodge use, although some were shared with the public. In addition to music, lodges creates or commissioned musicals or plays. Some lodges even had operas created for them.
Masons in Literature
Freemasonry in literature includes everything from vague references to the square and compasses to detailed descriptions of Masonic ritual. Many famous authors have used Masons or Mason-like orders in their works of fiction. Charles Dickens, for example, widely used Masons in his works of fiction. In his novel, Barnaby Rudge, an order called the Society of Prentice Knights has a carefully-described ceremonial. In a story called "Public Dinners", Dickens describes a banquet of the "Indigent Orphans' Friends Benevolent Institution" which takes place at "the Freemasons."
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, known for his tales of Sherlock Holmes, was a Mason himself and sometimes referred to Freemasonry in his books. Mark Twain was a member of Polar Star Lodge No. 79 in St. Louis, Missouri. He attained his 3rd degree in 1861 and was temporarily suspended for not paying dues but was reinstated in 1867.
Masons at the Movies
Hollywood has made use of Masonic symbols and Freemasonry in a number of films. In most cases, symbols of Freemasonry are limited to one scene and are not commented upon. However, in some movies, Freemasonry is a bigger plot. For example, in the 1915 film, Are You a Mason?, two non-members try to convince people that they are Masons. The screen play was based on a play by Die Logenbrüder, who also produced a Broadway hit of the same name. The film version was remade in 1934.
In the 2003 film, Big Fish, a character is given the key to his city and a parade when he leaves his hometown. The parade includes, prominently, six Shriners. In the 1916 movie, Bobby Bumps Starts a lodge, Bobby Bumps plays a trick on his friend. The friend wants to be in a lodge and when the friend saves Bobby’s life, the two decide to both be initiated into the lodge.
Freemasonry in Art
Many artists use Masonic symbols in their artwork. Notably, William Blake’s “The Ancient of Days,” William Blake’s “Newton” Lee Oscar Lawrie’s “Wisdom,” Albrecht Dürer’s “Astronomer,” Albrecht Dürer’s “Melencolia,” and Il Guercino’s “Raising the Master” all contain the compass. In addition to artists who merely used symbolism in their works, a number of noted artists were masons themselves. For example, the noted Russian artist Marc Chagall became a Mason in 1912. Famous artist Félicien Rops was also a Mason.
