Description
Bookplates, or ex libris, are labels with a printed design intended to show ownership, usually pasted inside the front cover
of a book. Sizes of bookplates vary from folio to very small. They are printed on white or colored paper, vellum, or leather.
Bookplates are produced by various means such as woodcut, wood engraving, line engraving, etching, lithography, and modern
photographic reproduction. The custom originated in Germany around the 15th century by Albrecht Duhrer. Many different types
of bookplates exist. The early ones represented armorial types that consisted of a simple shield. In the 17th century, bookplates
contained more elaboration of cartouche like shields, encircled by wreaths, festoons, and ribbons. In the 18th century, the
appearance of carved work emerged surrounding the shield. Overall, countries varied in their designs. In Germany, designs
tended to be purely simple, while in France they were more decorative. France was also famous for allegorical bookplates during
the mid-18th century. In the late 1700's, there was a return to a simpler, semi classical motif. Pictorial plates had also
been used from comparatively early times. Toward the end of the 19th century, German designers began to include nude figures
as a major motif of bookplate design. This fashion was followed in Europe and the United States as bookplates began to be
adopted all over the world. In general, bookplates signify a reflection of history; emulating the influence of the eras in
art, furniture, and architecture.
Background
Bookplates, or ex libris, are labels with a printed design intended to show
ownership, usually pasted inside the front cover of a book. Sizes of bookplates
vary from folio to very small. They are printed on white or colored paper, vellum,
or leather. Bookplates are produced by various means such as woodcut, wood
engraving, line engraving, etching, lithography, and modern photographic
reproduction.
Restrictions
The Bookplate Collection is the physical property of California State
University, Los Angeles, John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, Special Collections
and Archives.