Design for the Ancient Order of Foresters: "Unity, Benevolence and Concord"

Anonymous, British, 19th century

19th century · Pen and ink, brush and wash, watercolor and gouache (bodycolor) · Drawings and Prints

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.

Artist

Anonymous, British, 19th century

Date

19th century

Medium

Pen and ink, brush and wash, watercolor and gouache (bodycolor)

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gift of the Royal Institute of British Architects, 1961