Benjamin Coffin

Benjamin Coffin

Like the subjects of other portraits displayed in this exhibition, Benjamin Coffin (dates unknown) felt pride in his role as a Freemason. Here he chose to be depicted as if he was going to attend a Knights Templar meeting, carrying a sword, wearing an apron and a pin and sash decorated with symbols used in the Knights Templar degrees. Coffin may have commissioned this small watercolor to mark an event that was important to him, such as holding an office.

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

Special Acquisitions Fund, 77.12

1815-1833