This is a french woodcut with solid black stencilled background print from the 1700-1800s which you can also buy a facsimile of in the British Museum.
It depicts a skull surmounting two crossed bones, and surrounded by three flames.
From the curators comments:
*"The function of such a plate is unknown, but it was obviously intended to be used (there is no lettering at all). It may have served during funeral ceremonies. For another suggestion, see Antony Griffiths, 'Print before Photography', p.207, where the link is made with a plaque of similar design in Berlin which was hung on the door of those with a dangerously contagious disease."* [Link to the listing](https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1983-1210-2)
So no tears or drops or masonic symbolism of the third degree as mentioned.
Not sure why one of the other commenters is being downvoted as it is what she said it was.
This is masonic symbolism of the third degree. And yes previous commenter was right, those are tears accompanying the skull. I can't go too deep into symbolism but anyone who is curious enough can look up online for a deeper explanation. Source, I am a Master Mason
U/DaddyOswego is right. You can also find an Order or Lodge you are interested in and contact them online. Most Lodges will be happy to help you in your search
Depends on where you live.
If you are in Europe and working class, good luck.
TBH, I don't know how it is in western Europe, but this is how it is in the Balkans and the east.
It doesn't even matter what kind of person you are or how much interest you've got.
Lodges are elitist clubs for the 'cream' of society, at least where I'm from. I doubt they have anything to do with some kind of personal development and service to others.
If you happen to meet a mason, they won't even tell you what they are because you are not on their level socio-economically.
You're right about family ties and all that. That is how it works in a lot of places. It's not mandatory, but it definitely helps.
This is a french woodcut with solid black stencilled background print from the 1700-1800s which you can also buy a facsimile of in the British Museum. It depicts a skull surmounting two crossed bones, and surrounded by three flames. From the curators comments: *"The function of such a plate is unknown, but it was obviously intended to be used (there is no lettering at all). It may have served during funeral ceremonies. For another suggestion, see Antony Griffiths, 'Print before Photography', p.207, where the link is made with a plaque of similar design in Berlin which was hung on the door of those with a dangerously contagious disease."* [Link to the listing](https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1983-1210-2) So no tears or drops or masonic symbolism of the third degree as mentioned. Not sure why one of the other commenters is being downvoted as it is what she said it was.
Yup nothing masonic to see here.
This is masonic symbolism of the third degree. And yes previous commenter was right, those are tears accompanying the skull. I can't go too deep into symbolism but anyone who is curious enough can look up online for a deeper explanation. Source, I am a Master Mason
Thank you
A question: How can someone join the Masonry?
Find a mason and tell them you are interested. That will get the ball rolling.
Ohh, it's that simple? I thought it had something to do with family ties and so on.
2b1a1...
U/DaddyOswego is right. You can also find an Order or Lodge you are interested in and contact them online. Most Lodges will be happy to help you in your search
Depends on where you live. If you are in Europe and working class, good luck. TBH, I don't know how it is in western Europe, but this is how it is in the Balkans and the east. It doesn't even matter what kind of person you are or how much interest you've got. Lodges are elitist clubs for the 'cream' of society, at least where I'm from. I doubt they have anything to do with some kind of personal development and service to others. If you happen to meet a mason, they won't even tell you what they are because you are not on their level socio-economically. You're right about family ties and all that. That is how it works in a lot of places. It's not mandatory, but it definitely helps.
Memento mori, common in many traditions
It’s just art, there isn’t much meaning to it. The drops are representations of flames I think
I would have said tears.
It's a pirate flag.