A Long Standing Historic Portrait Tradition
A Secret Portrait Commission.
Three years ago, in early 2021, in the midst of a world slowed by the pandemic, I received the honor of a lifetime: the chance to create the official portrait of the Grand Master of the Freemasons of Massachusetts. It was a commission that came with a weight of history and the silence of secrecy—I was to hold the details close for 22 months until the ceremonial unveiling, a moment marking both an end and a beginning within the esteemed brotherhood.
The formal sitting of this historic portrait, on location in March 2021, at The Grand Lodge of Boston.
An Institution Rich with History.
The Grand Lodge of Boston is rich with history, as the third oldest lodge in the world, and the oldest lodge in the Americas. The Freemasons, rooted deeply in Massachusetts' history and having American Revolutionary leaders like Paul Revere and Joseph Warren as past Grand Masters, provided a profound context for my work. Painting Richard Maggio, the 90th Grand Master, meant integrating my craft into this esteemed tradition, capturing not only Grand Master Maggio's likeness but also his dedication and service to the fraternity.
The process began with a formal sitting in the Ionic Hall of the Grand Lodge, the very room where his portrait now resides. There, amidst the grandeur and gravity of the hall, I photographed him, ensuring that every detail would reflect the reverence of the position.
One such detail was the inclusion of the tricorn hat within the portrait—a symbol resonant with Boston's revolutionary history and a tribute to the Masonic Grand Lodge's storied past. The painting was completed with care, stored safely while the custom frame, as grand as the honor it would frame, was meticulously crafted.
At the formal sitting.
Bobbie with the Grand Master.
An Honor and a Privilege.
Being chosen as the artist for such an historic portrait commission was a humbling and significant honor. As a woman commissioned by an all-male organization, this experience has been both humbling and profound, allowing me to contribute a piece of modern artistry to a long-standing historical lineage.
The Grand Master's portrait is not merely a representation; it's a recognition of service, an emblem of respect, and a token of gratitude for a legacy that will inspire and guide future generations of Masons.
A Ceremonial Unveiling.
At the conclusion of the Grand Master's 3 years of service, in December 2022, the ceremonial unveiling took place. In a ceremony steeped in the rich customs of the Masons, the historic portrait painting was revealed in front of a gathering of a few hundred brothers, a testament to the Grand Master's legacy and leadership. While I was not in attendance, as I am not a Mason nor am I a brother, I am grateful for these photographs of the ceremony, provided by the editor of the Trowel Magazine, the publication of The Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts.
Photos courtesy of The Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts and Trowel magazine.
Video: The Making of an Historic Portrait
To see more about the making of this historic portrait, I invite you to watch this video.
It's Magnificent ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Your paintings are more realistic than most other artists I had looked at. Working together was a great experience, as you communicated every step of the way. Seeing the finished product is really very exciting. It's magnificent."
Grand Master Richard Maggio, Masons of Massachusetts
Honor a Respected Leader.
Is there a legacy within your organization waiting to be immortalized? Let's discuss how we can capture the essence of leadership, service, and tradition in a portrait that will stand the test of time.
➡️ Contact Bobbie to learn more
Bobbie Bush is a Massachusetts-based portrait artist creating custom portrait painting commissions to honor, celebrate and commemorate loved ones. Serving nationally. Since 1996.