Design for the Ancient Order of Foresters: "Unity, Benevolence and Concord"
Anonymous, British, 19th century
The man standing at the center of this drawing wears the uniform of the Ancient Order of Foresters, a British Friendly Society, or charitable organization established by 1790 in Yorkshire, which expanded over the next century into multiple chapters with over 700,000 members. Supporting elements in the design include a lion nuzzling a lamb, a woman with a shield, a cornucopia and beehive--symbols of peace, strength and productivity. The latin motto, "Unitas benevolentia et concordia," translates as unity, benevolence and concord, and the image likely was intended as the engraved frontispiece of a society publication.
Credit: Gift of the Royal Institute of British Architects, 1961
19th century
Pen and ink, brush and wash, watercolor and gouache
25.4 x 16.5cm
61.669.46
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019
Where you'll find this
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection