King Solomon’s Temple. A rendering based on Masonic imagery and symbolism.

(AMERICANA).

Late 19th-century

This painting includes the “Watchful Eye” and other iconographic images, many of which stem from the Bible and Judaic sources: Jacob’s ladder, a gold candelabrum, an open Bible and two pillars representing the entrance to the Temple. Other symbols such as three gavels, a key, two stars, an emblem with the letter “G”, and the celebrated square joint with compass, illustrate Masonic principles and ideals such as God, peace, and morality. “King Solomon is central to the system of Masonic symbolism. More precisely, the focus is on King Solomon’s architect as the Master Architect and King Solomon’s Temple as material and architectural perfection on Earth.”