Bookplate for H. W. Bryant of Portland Maine
Original title: Bookplate for H. W. Bryant of Portland Maine
kurzbeschreibung
An open book, surrounded by fruit and leaves, bears the inscription 'OMNE BONUM DESUPER'. Winslow Homer designed this lithograph bookplate in 1893 for H. W. Bryant of Portland, Maine. The sheet measures 11.6 x 8.4 cm.
Description
An open book sits at the center, framed by stylized fruits and leaves. Above it arches a band with the Latin inscription 'OMNE BONUM DESUPER'. Below appears 'H.W. BRYANT, Portland, Me.', flanked by the year numbers '18' and '93'. The layout is symmetrical and clear, printed in black and white.
Context
In 1893, when Winslow Homer was deeply engaged with printmaking, he created this bookplate. It served as a personal ex libris for H. W. Bryant of Portland, Maine. Such markings for libraries were widespread in the 19th century.
Impact
The symmetrical arrangement and clear linework give the bookplate a calm, dignified presence. Book and fruits stand for knowledge and abundance, lending the sheet a timeless, formal quality.
Technique
Lithography, a printing process based on the repulsion of grease and water, allows fine lines and precise details. The black-and-white execution is typical of this technique. The small format of 11.6 x 8.4 cm suggests it was meant to be handled as a bookplate.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)