During the late nineteenth century, the Scottish Rite started to rely on elaborate effects, especially painted backdrops to increase the spectators emotional response. Companies, such as
Sosman and Landis Scene Painting Studios, offered stunning backdrops for all the Scottish Rite rituals, and traveling salesmen marketed these sets to lodge officials. One such example was the painted backdrop of the fourth degree, shown above, which depicted the interior of King Solomon's temple. The black and white photo shows an interior view of the Sosman and Landis
Studios in Chicago. The large backdrops were painted on frames similar to the one on the left side of the image. A completed backdrop was cut off the frame and rolled on hollowed basswood tubes for shipping to the theatre or the temple.
[Theatre Home Page]
[Sets]
[Costumes]
[Lodge Nights]
[Info]
[Catalog]
[Links]
To return to Weisman Home page click on this logo
[Weisman Home]
[Current Events]