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Bookplates
In their simplest form, bookplates are identification tags, and they’ve been around since shortly after the first books were produced. The earliest known bookplate, circa 1450, shows a hedgehog with a flower in its mouth. It is inscribed, in part, “… may a hedgehog kiss you.”
Plates fall into two categories: armorial and pictorial. The earliest armorial bookplates were simple, straightforward shields. By the 17th century, wreaths, ribbons, and festoons had been added. By the early 18th century, shields were very elaborate indeed, often festooned with angels, scallop shells, and goddesses.
The earliest pictorial bookplates bore portraits; later examples showed landscapes, piles of books, depictions of the virtues, or the hobbies and occupations of the owners. By the end of the 19th century, nudes had made their way onto bookplates—some with expressly erotic intent. By the 20th century, Art Deco artist Rockwell Kent often used nudes as a motif on his bookplates.
Both armorial and pictorial plates usually included mottos or messages. Those of the Vatican library, for instance, hinted darkly at papal excommunication if the volumes were not safely returned.
Collections of bookplates can entail any number of specialties: signed plates, erotic plates, plates from specific countries, or plates by specific artists. The latter category includes Toulouse-Lautrec, Edouard Manet, Aubrey Beardsley, Kate Greenaway, and Marc Chagall, many of whom were commissioned by wealthy patrons to design bookplates for them.
It is believed that there are more than one million bookplates available today, which means there are lots of opportunities for collectors. Bookplates from the libraries of famous people can be worth thousands of dollars because of their historic significance.
Where do you look to find these age-old collectibles? Add your thoughts and comments below.
Plates fall into two categories: armorial and pictorial. The earliest armorial bookplates were simple, straightforward shields. By the 17th century, wreaths, ribbons, and festoons had been added. By the early 18th century, shields were very elaborate indeed, often festooned with angels, scallop shells, and goddesses.
The earliest pictorial bookplates bore portraits; later examples showed landscapes, piles of books, depictions of the virtues, or the hobbies and occupations of the owners. By the end of the 19th century, nudes had made their way onto bookplates—some with expressly erotic intent. By the 20th century, Art Deco artist Rockwell Kent often used nudes as a motif on his bookplates.
Both armorial and pictorial plates usually included mottos or messages. Those of the Vatican library, for instance, hinted darkly at papal excommunication if the volumes were not safely returned.
Collections of bookplates can entail any number of specialties: signed plates, erotic plates, plates from specific countries, or plates by specific artists. The latter category includes Toulouse-Lautrec, Edouard Manet, Aubrey Beardsley, Kate Greenaway, and Marc Chagall, many of whom were commissioned by wealthy patrons to design bookplates for them.
It is believed that there are more than one million bookplates available today, which means there are lots of opportunities for collectors. Bookplates from the libraries of famous people can be worth thousands of dollars because of their historic significance.
Where do you look to find these age-old collectibles? Add your thoughts and comments below.
Latest page update: made by kjacobso
, May 24 2007, 12:31 PM EDT
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Edited by kjacobso
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Edited by kjacobso
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- complete history)
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