Masons and Police
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Masons and Police
When Paris magistrates led by police commissioner Jean de Lespinay seek to break up a Masonic meeting, the duc d Antin defies them, but the Lodge is eventually closed Date: 10 October 1737
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Media ID 14266150
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1737 Break Closed Commissioner Defies Eventually Freemasons Groups Lodge Magistrates Masonic Masons Meeting Seek Societies
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative print captures a pivotal moment in the complex history of the Freemasons in France. Dated October 10, 1737, the image depicts Paris magistrates, led by Police Commissioner Jean de Lespinay, attempting to disrupt a clandestine Masonic meeting. The Freemasons, an organization known for its secretive social and moral improvement societies, had long been a subject of suspicion and scrutiny by the French authorities. In this scene, the Duc d'Antin, a prominent Mason and influential figure in French society, stands defiantly in the face of the magistrates, refusing to allow them to close the lodge. The tension between the two parties is palpable, with the magistrates' stern expressions and the determined look on the Duc's face highlighting the deep-rooted conflict between the Masonic brotherhood and the established order. Despite the Duc's resistance, the magistrates eventually succeeded in closing the lodge, marking a significant blow to the Masonic presence in Paris. However, the image serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the Freemasons, who continued to operate in secret and eventually gained official recognition in the late 18th century. This historical print offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex social and political dynamics of 18th-century France, shedding light on the ongoing struggle between the secretive world of the Freemasons and the authorities who sought to suppress their activities.
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