1888/2
Picture and Print Collection - Worcestershire Museum of Freemasonry
Print. Count Cagliostro’s Exposure in the Lodge of Antiquity.
Date:- 1742 Classification:- Print/Plate
Country of Origin:- England - Province/Region/District:- London
Order:- Craft (& Freemasonry General)
Description
"The particulars of this rare print (reproduced in the Christmas “Freemason” for 1890) are related thereon in French and English, as follow s :—“ Designed by a Brother Mason, a witness of the scene. The event recorded in this plate happened in London on the 1st November, 1786, to Brother Balsamo, self-calling Prince of Trebizonde, Marquis of Harrat, Count Cagliostro, &c., &c., &c. The nick-named Brother having paid a visit to the Lodge of Antiquity, with some foreigners, Bro. Mash, an ingenious optician, performed (instead of giving a song) the part of a travelling quack, which Count Cagliostro taking as if aimed at him, he left the Lodge in a dudgeon, highly displeased at the entertainment of the company.
“Mr. Barker, Hair Dresser, King Street, Bloomsbury, Master of the Lodge of Antiquity Supper at Three Shillings per head, Wine and Punch included.”
Refreshments were in those days admitted to Lodges, and partaken of by the Brethren during labour."
