Add a touch of macabre to your library with this haunting ex-libris featuring the illustration of Death with a victim by Johannes Josephus Aarts. This 1890s masterpiece is a testament to the artist's skill and the power of death. The chilling depiction of Death on top of a reader, surrounded by scattered books, is a reminder of our own mortality. The intricate details and striking contrast of this illustration bring the scene to life, making it a true work of art. Perfect for anyone with an appreciation for the macabre, this ex-libris is a stunning addition to any library or collection.
Bookplates are ideal for safeguarding the volumes in your library and make a unique and thoughtful gift.
Bookplates are crafted on 50# White English Finish Gummed Paper and hand-cut to size. Gummed paper is coated with an adhesive backing that requires water to activate (similar to traditional stamps). Once the adhesive is activated, the paper will adhere to the front pastedown of your book.
Historically, bookplates have been printed on gummed paper for various reasons. First, the glue is water-soluble and can be removed by steaming or wetting without damaging your book. Second, gummed paper dries flat and without residue, eliminating the waste of sticker adhesive backings. Third, the finished bookplate has a refined look and feel.
ITEM DETAILS
• Dimensions: 4in x 2.5in, 10.16cm x 6.35cm
• Substrate: 50# White English Finish Gummed Paper
• Adhesive: Moisture/Water activated
• Quantity: 30 Bookplates
• Turn around time: 3-5 days
• Each bookplate ships in a hardback envelope with instructions.
• Each bookplate is handcrafted and cut to size and may vary slightly from the rest
• Option to Personalize: Yes
PERSONALIZATION
These bookplates can be personalized with your name(s). You can choose either your first name or both first and last names. The font used is an adjusted version of IM FELL English. A maximum of 25 characters is allowed.
INSTRUCTIONS/HOW-TO
On a clean surface, moisten the back of the bookplate with a damp sponge. The bookplate will curl up a little, this is normal. Affix the moistened bookplate where desired, smoothing the paper from the center outwards to eliminate any creases and wrinkles. Gummed paper dries flat and smooth. I recommend you perform a test on a paper surface before applying it to your book to get a feel for the moisture/glue. Don't moisten the front of the bookplate, as inks are not waterproof. If you opted for blank bookplates, write your name in before applying. Store unused bookplates in a dark, dry place.
SOME HISTORY
A bookplate is sometimes called an ex-libris meaning "from the books of" in Latin. The earliest known example, dated to 1480, is the bookplate of Hilprand Brandenburg, a Carthusian monk. At first, most bookplates were designed to safeguard the property of nobles; thus, they were adorned with coats of arms and other indicators of inherited prestige. This was the case through the 18th century; though styles changed with artistic trends. The 19th century saw the rise of the middle class. Scholars, professionals, and other educated individuals became interested in bookplates and commissioned works in a pictorial vein. Since then, ex libris have been used to denote personal property and as a form of personal expression. Since ex-libris stamps were generally never seen by the public, the artwork varied tremendously from intimate erotic scenes to darkly expressionistic styles.
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