Apron

Apron

Nathan Negus decorated this apron when he was sixteen years old and an apprentice with ornamental painter, John Ritto Penniman (1782-1841). Never finished or worn, this apron may have been decorated as part of Negus’ instruction. Over the course of his five years in Penniman’s shop, Negus became familiar with the artist's Masonic business. This exposure helped him learn about the fraternity’s symbols, such the ones seen here and those on a box, thought to have been painted by Negus, that is displayed nearby.

For more on this object please visit the online collection record here.

Special Acquisitions Fund, 79.47

Nathan Negus (1801-1825), Boston, Massachusetts

1817