Gathering What Was Scattered

This plate is exceptionally rare, owing to its physical dimensions: it is both taller and wider than the book which contains it, so it was folded six times. Shown here is a detail of the picture taken from a mostly intact specimen.

The scene is distinctly American. Outside of an idealized Masonic Lodge conceived in beautiful Colonial style, the Worshipful Master, attired as King Solomon, sends four parties of three travellers each out on a quest. (Only two are visible in this cropping). At the far right of the image, the traveller are capturing some malcontents. Above, the All-Seeing Eye of the Great Architect surveys the scene.

Engraved star map by Enoch G. Gridley, circa 1800–1805.

Notes by Shawn Eyer, P∴M∴