Ex Libris - Eleanor C. Gano
Ex Libris - Eleanor C. Gano
Ex Libris / Book Label / Bookmark / Bookplate
Ex libris by an unknown artist for Eleanor C. Gano
Year: unknown
Size approx.: 11 x 8.5 cm
Condition: in good condition for its age, mounted on card
An ex libris (from the Latin ex libris = "from the books [of...]") is a small, printed label that is pasted onto the inside of a book cover to identify ownership.
The purpose: It protects valuable books from being lost when lent out and shows who the owner is.
The inscription: It almost always contains the owner's name, often preceded by the words "Ex Libris," "From the library of," or "My book."
The design: In addition to the name, it usually displays artistic graphics, coats of arms, portraits, or motifs that reflect the owner's hobbies, profession, or personality.
The origin: The custom emerged shortly after the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, when books were still valuable luxury goods.
The techniques: In the past, they were mostly produced as woodcuts or copper engravings, later as lithographs, etchings, or linocuts.