The Bookplate of the Printer's Devil

1896

Francis Scott King

Associated Names
Francis Scott King

Artist, American, 1850 - 1913

Edwin Babcock Holden

Dedicatee, American, 1861 - 1906

The image contains intricate swirling lines forming complex tapestries of shapes and forms. A large face resembling a mythical creature with pointed ears and a crown stands out among various smaller figures and cherubic children. The left and right edges feature fantastical creatures, while the upper and lower edges show rolling scrolls or banners. The overall composition evokes a whimsical, fantastical scene.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 30.3 x 36.9 cm (11 15/16 x 14 1/2 in.)
    sheet: 36.9 x 27.9 cm (14 1/2 x 11 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2008.1.4

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

artist gift to Edwin Babcock Holden (1861-1907), New York. (C. & J. Goodfriend, New York); purchased by NGA, 2008

Associated Names

Inscriptions

recto: lower left in graphite: Printer's Devil Bookplate to Mr. E.B. Holden / with compliments of F.S. King Designer & Engraver / Feb. 1896; lower right in graphite: Fifth state-Eight impressions / F.S.K.; lower left corner in graphite in unknown hand (erased): 43/3; verso: lower left verso in graphite by unknown hand: APG 9280

Markings

none

Watermarks

none

Wikidata ID

Q76438921

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