The Bookplate of the Printer's Devil

1895

Francis Scott King

Associated Names
Francis Scott King

Artist, American, 1850 - 1913

Edwin Babcock Holden

Dedicatee, American, 1861 - 1906

This is a drawing of an ex libris design. The scene includes a central face with intricate details, surrounded by clouds, scrolls, and decorative elements. Books and a quill are present, along with mythical creatures and allegorical figures. The drawing is signed and dated in the bottom right corner, showcasing the detailed and imaginative style typical of personalized ex libris designs from the period.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    graphite on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 30.2 x 24.5 cm (11 7/8 x 9 5/8 in.)
    with mat: 40.7 x 32.5 cm (16 x 12 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2008.1.5

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

upper left in graphite: EX LIBRIS; upper center in graphite: [...]NDO; lower right in graphite: To Mr. E. B. Holden ; from F.S. King Del. / 1895; upper right verso in graphite: My cares and my inquiries are directed in / search of decency and truth, and in this I am / wholly engrossed and occupied; lower left verso in graphite: Under this sign thou shalt conquer; left center of mat in graphite: SCULPSIT / DIABOLO / Fecit Sculpsit Typothetae / Diabolo / F S King / Novi Eboraci / M.DCCC.XCVI / EXEMPLARIA. CCL. / IMPRESSA.QUDRUM / HOC.NO.; right center of mat in graphite: Though an angel / should write, still / Tis' devils must print

Wikidata ID

Q64562829

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