Masonic Apron

Date1789-1793

Owned by Andrew Estave (ca. 1740-1808)

OriginAmerica, District of Columbia, Washington, Georgetown

MediumPaint and ink on silk

DimensionsApron: H 16" x W 19 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2010-88

DescriptionThis is a white silk rounded square Masonic apron with Masonic symbols in paint and ink. The sides, bottom, and flap are trimmed in a gathered white silk ribbon. The curved upper flap has a centered painted "All-seeing eye," the symbol of watchfulness and the Supreme Being. In upper center of apron (under the flap) is the inscription in paint: "Andrew Estave. / George Town. Patowmack. / No 9." Other Masonic images include: beehive and bees; sun, moon and eight stars; ladder; ark and dove; key, square and compass; rule; smaller compass; trowel; Holy Book; pierced heart, quiver or map case (?); Masonic gavel; island with olive tree and inscription: "Memento Mori."
Label TextAndrew Estave was an active member of early Masonic lodges in Georgetown and the District of Columbia. He was a significant participant in the Masonic ceremonies surrounding and laying of the cornerstones of the White House, or President’s House as it was then known, and of the nation’s Capital. In accordance with masonic ritual, Estave would have certainly worn this apron at these and other historic events in the early history of the capital city.

The Masonic apron, based on the leather apron of the early artisans, is considered the badge of a Mason, and worn as part of the Masonic regalia. The practice of decorating aprons with embroidered or hand-painted designs began in the last third of the eighteenth century, and was especially popular between the years 1798-1830. Although there is no evidence of whom might have made Andrew Estave’s apron or inscribed and painted its decorations, it is related to four other painted aprons in the collection of the Maryland Masonic Museum. It may have been a local sign painter or itinerant artist, some of whom advertised their skills and familiarity with Masonic regalia.

Inscribed"Andrew Estave, / George Town. Patowmack. / No 9"
"Momento Mori"
ProvenanceOwned by Andrew Estave (ca. 1740-1808);
By descent to his daughter, Susanna Marguerite Estave Lemoine (1771-1859);
By descent to her son, John Estave Lemoine (1798-1872);
By descent to his son, Dr. Edwin Spotswood Lemoine (1826-1901);
By descent to Eva Spotswood Lemoine Perkins (1868-1958);
By descent to Katherine Lemoine Perkins Stark (1901-1993);
To Chris H Jones, Early American Antiques, Folk, and Fine Art;
Purchased by CWF (2010).

OWNER HISTORY:
Andrew Estave, born in France around 1740, first came to Virginia in 1769, where he was involved in various business ventures, including attempts at growing silkworms and producing wine. In 1784, he moved from Williamsburg to Alexandria, where he became active in the Maryland Lodge No. 9 of Georgetown. At the establishment of Lodge No. 15 (later Federal Lodge No. 1) of DC, he was appointed Junior Warden of the new lodge. He participated heavily in Masonic rituals, including the laying of the cornerstones of the White House and attending George Washington’s funeral in Alexandria. He apparently remained in Alexandria until moving to Petersburg, where he died in 1808.