Since the foundation of the Ex-libris Societies in London and Berlin, both of which have already a considerable number of members, it has become evident, that the objects of these two Societies meet with general approval.
The interest in old Book-Plates especially has greatly increased and every amateur is glad, if he can add another rare print of bygone centuries to his collection.
Armorial plates of the 15. 16. and 17. centuries have been found in several Public Libraries, but it has been doubted whether they have really served as Ex-libris, as many of them are of enormous dimensions* compared with our modem plates. This extraordinary size is nevertheless no proof against their having been used as Ex-libris, if we bear in mind, that the books they were to grace were mostly folio. The artist had on this account a better opportunity to produce an elaborate design, than our modem engravers.
Most of these plates bear no inscription whatever and this was another reason for unbelievers to doubt their having been Ex-libris. But it is not a consistent one, as there is no Ex-libris
*) Most of these are given in the «Heraldische Kunstblatter» published by Frederick Warneeke, which contains about 300 coats-of-arms by A. Duerer, Martin Schongauer, Israel von Mecken, Virgil Solis, Jost Amman etc. 3 Parts Folio. Berlin J. A. Stargardt.
The interest in old Book-Plates especially has greatly increased and every amateur is glad, if he can add another rare print of bygone centuries to his collection.
Armorial plates of the 15. 16. and 17. centuries have been found in several Public Libraries, but it has been doubted whether they have really served as Ex-libris, as many of them are of enormous dimensions* compared with our modem plates. This extraordinary size is nevertheless no proof against their having been used as Ex-libris, if we bear in mind, that the books they were to grace were mostly folio. The artist had on this account a better opportunity to produce an elaborate design, than our modem engravers.
Most of these plates bear no inscription whatever and this was another reason for unbelievers to doubt their having been Ex-libris. But it is not a consistent one, as there is no Ex-libris
*) Most of these are given in the «Heraldische Kunstblatter» published by Frederick Warneeke, which contains about 300 coats-of-arms by A. Duerer, Martin Schongauer, Israel von Mecken, Virgil Solis, Jost Amman etc. 3 Parts Folio. Berlin J. A. Stargardt.