A Stunning Collection of 128 Ex Libris Bookplates from Zurich and Vienna (1914-1921)
A large collection (128 examples) of fine Ex Libris bookplate etchings on paper from a printer who worked in Zurich and Vienna in the early 1900s, dating from approximately 1914-1921. The printer is unknown, although the bookplates themselves reveal the owner's names and sometimes the artists commissioned to produce them.
Most bookplates are untrimmed and printed on larger-sized paper up to 7" x 9". Of the 128, 36 plates are in mats having been exhibited at the Shoen Library at Marylhurst University in Oregon. Images and symbols employed are varied, although some themes reoccur: books and libraries (of course), death and skeletons, owls, swords, the sun, trees, unclothed women, demons and/or Satan, musical instruments, and crests.
Some plates include the artist's name within the etching, others do not. And some prominent names appear on the bookplates, including: Paul Niggli, a Swiss crystallographer who was a leader in the field of X-ray crystallography (his bookplate depicts a figure inside a radiating crystal) or Eugen Paravicini, scientist and botanist (an owl atop a skull).
Sizes vary from approx. 2" x 3" to 5" x 7" (image size) with many bookplates untrimmed and on larger-sized paper up to 7" x 9". A stunning collection of original etchings, finely printed. Item #1479.
Condition: Near fine, toning to paper due to age; some with minor edgewear/chips and/or closed edge tears.
Price: $3,600.00