The Lodge Brothers “Die Logenbruder” or The Lodge Brothers was painted by German artist and Freemason, Lovis Corinth between 1898 and 1899 but has been know by many different names over the years, originally “Der Trinkspruch in der Loge In Treue fest” (Toast in the Lodge “In Treue fest”) before “Die Logenbruder” (The Lodge Brothers) and latterly “Firm in loyalty”. He was born in Tapiau in East Prussia, Corinth was the son of a tanner. He displayed a talent for drawing at a young age and went on to study art at the academy of Konigsberg in 1876 before attending the Academy of Fine Art in Munich four years later and at the time, rivalled Paris as the avant-garde art centre of Europe. His studies were interrupted however in 1883 by the so called “one-year volunteer” requirement of Military Service. In
his
lifetime
Corinth's
more than 130 paintings, many more drawings in an almost “cartoonist style” and wrote several books and essays on art and painting. Although he had previously painted portraits for friends and family, “The Lodge Brothers” may be his earliest example of an actual commission. Bro. Lovis Corinth joined Johannis-Loge “Immanuel” in Konigsberg during 1890 and after 6 years moved to Munich where he was a founding member of Johannis-Lodge “In Treue fest” (the Lodge featured in the painting), registering as a Brother Fellow Craft and later being raised to that of Master Mason on 16th October 1896. Holding the office of Deputy Master of Ceremonies in 1897/1898 and then appointed Master of Ceremonies in 1899.
For a full explanation see: The Lodge Brothers created The Masonic Artist’s Tracing Board
My thanks to Bro. Scott Watson WSW Lodge Kelburn No.459 in Millport.
Cross Keys April 2021
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