Antique Heraldic Ex Libris Bookplate Engraving with Greyhound Supporters
Antique Heraldic Ex Libris Bookplate Engraving with Greyhound Supporters
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Antique copperplate-engraved heraldic bookplate (“ex libris”) printed on laid paper, featuring a finely detailed armorial crest with greyhound supporters flanking a shield. The shield displays a chevron between two stars in chief and a rose in base. Above the shield is a helmet with elaborate scrolling mantling and a greyhound crest.
The engraving is executed in fine linework typical of copperplate printing, with visible cross-hatching and strong tonal contrast. The paper shows clear signs of age, including toning, edge wear, and irregular lower margin loss consistent with removal from a book or album.
The lower margin likely originally contained the owner’s name or the phrase “Ex Libris,” which appears to have faded or been trimmed. The reverse shows offsetting from storage against another printed surface.
This type of armorial bookplate would have been pasted inside the front cover of books belonging to a private library, serving as a mark of ownership.
Antique copperplate-engraved heraldic bookplate (“ex libris”) printed on laid paper, featuring a finely detailed armorial crest with greyhound supporters flanking a shield. The shield displays a chevron between two stars in chief and a rose in base. Above the shield is a helmet with elaborate scrolling mantling and a greyhound crest.
The engraving is executed in fine linework typical of copperplate printing, with visible cross-hatching and strong tonal contrast. The paper shows clear signs of age, including toning, edge wear, and irregular lower margin loss consistent with removal from a book or album.
The lower margin likely originally contained the owner’s name or the phrase “Ex Libris,” which appears to have faded or been trimmed. The reverse shows offsetting from storage against another printed surface.
This type of armorial bookplate would have been pasted inside the front cover of books belonging to a private library, serving as a mark of ownership.
Ex libris bookplates became especially popular in Britain and Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries among aristocratic and educated families maintaining private libraries. Heraldic bookplates were often engraved by professional printmakers using copperplates and printed in small quantities for personal use.
Greyhound supporters are common in English heraldry and symbolize loyalty, nobility, and service. The decorative mantling and helmet form are consistent with traditional armorial engraving styles of the period.
Ex libris bookplates became especially popular in Britain and Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries among aristocratic and educated families maintaining private libraries. Heraldic bookplates were often engraved by professional printmakers using copperplates and printed in small quantities for personal use.
Greyhound supporters are common in English heraldry and symbolize loyalty, nobility, and service. The decorative mantling and helmet form are consistent with traditional armorial engraving styles of the period.
Likely 18th century (possibly late 17th–early 19th century)
Likely 18th century (possibly late 17th–early 19th century)
Paper, copperplate engraving ink
Paper, copperplate engraving ink
European, likely English origin
European, likely English origin
Age-appropriate wear throughout. Lower margin shows loss and irregular trimming. Paper toning, creases, and handling wear present. Faint offsetting visible on the reverse. No visible owner inscription remains.
Age-appropriate wear throughout. Lower margin shows loss and irregular trimming. Paper toning, creases, and handling wear present. Faint offsetting visible on the reverse. No visible owner inscription remains.