Thomas Flintoff
Masonic Hall, Matagorda, Texas

Masonic Hall, Matagorda, Texas

Public Domain

Masonic Hall, Matagorda, Texas
ArtistEnglish, c. 1809–1891, active Texas 1851–1852
CultureEnglish
Titles
  • Masonic Hall, Matagorda, Texas
DateMay 21, 1852
PlaceMatagorda, Texas, United States
MediumWatercolor on paper
DimensionsImage: 9 5/8 × 13 5/8 in. (24.4 × 34.6 cm)
 Sheet: 10 3/4 × 14 3/8 in. (27.3 × 36.5 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by Henry J. N. Taub II in honor of Paul Hobby at "One Great Night in November, 2007"
Object numberB.2007.8
Not on view

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Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
DescriptionAn itinerant artist, Thomas Flintoff traveled to various parts of Texas capturing its diverse terrain and buildings in beautifully-detailed watercolors. Although valuable documents of geographical history, these studies are also lovely artistic achievements of early Texas art. The Masonic Lodge in Matagorda was chartered on November 18, 1838, as the seventh chapter organized under the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas. The gothic-style hall depicted in this study was constructed from 1839 to 1849 and was completely destroyed by a hurricane in 1854. It was replaced with a simpler two-story structure completed in 1922, which still stands today. Throughout its history, Matagorda has been vulnerable to violent storms, requiring the rebuilding of many of its buildings. Here, the windswept clothing of the woman walking and the dark, brooding sky make reference to the area’s history of harsh weather.
Provenance Research Ongoing Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Marked in pencil, recto lower right in the image: "Masonic Hall Matagorda Texas / May 21st 152(sic) (signature)"
Signed in pencil, recto lower right: " T Flintoff"

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