Print of Model
- King Solomon’s Temple circa (1693-1698)
Built
by Gerhard Schott (1641-1702)
Gerhard Schott (1641-1702)
reportedly built his model of King Solomon’s Temple circa 1693-1698 as a
presentation for Christian Heinrich Postel’s opera concerning the temple’s
destruction by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II in 587 BCE. In Hamburg, it
sat in a special room behind the theater-- although there is a debate as to
whether or ...not
it was used in the production of the opera. The model was 13 feet high (4.0 m)
and 80 feet around (24 m). It was sold in 1725, but was exhibited in London as
early as 1723, and then temporarily displayed at the London Royal Exchange from
1729–1730, where it could be viewed for half a crown.
This print of Schott’s model is of paper and canvas and is likely a souvenir
from the model’s tour of London (circa 1723-1730). Its importance to Freemasons,
other than being simply a representation of what has been long employed in
Masonic ritual, is to be found in the Temple’s popularity of that time, and also
the era’s leading thinkers’ fascination with it as a source of some theretofore
undiscovered gnosis. Its devotees included the famed physicist Isaac Newton
(who, amongst other very remarkable abilities, considered himself chosen by God
for understanding biblical scripture) and Dr. Theophilus Desagulliers, one of
the framers of the premier Grand Lodge in London, was a good friend of Newton
and likely was one of those who advocated the Temple’s use in Masonic ritual, or
who certainly did not object to it being introduced. It should be pointed out
that in the early 18th century the Temple mythos was just creeping into Masonic
ritual, and, thus, this print of Schott’s temple points to what is perhaps the
primary era of development for what is now enjoyed as ancient tradition in
Masonic allegory.
Detail of Schott's model of
Solomon's temple, circa 1723-1729. Image depicts the Sanctum Sanctorum with the
Cherubim guarding the Ark of the Covenant.
Detail of Schott's model of
Solomon's temple, circa 1723-1729. Image depicts the tabernacle of the Hebrews.
Detail of Schott's model of
Solomon's temple, circa 1723-1729. Image depicts Solomon being filled with
divine knowledge.
Detail of Schott's model of Solomon's temple, circa 1723-1729. Image depicts
the Council of Sanhedrin.
Detail of Schott's model of
Solomon's temple, circa 1723-1729. Image depicts the inside of the Tabernacle
with its holy vessels.
Images and
text courtesy of the Henry Wilson Coil Library & Museum of Freemasonry at the
Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of California
Be sure to visit their museum at:
www.masonicheritage.org
