Ex Libris - Harald Jensen - Marei Grunau

Ex Libris / Book Label / Bookmark / Bookplate

Ex libris Harald Jensen for Marei Grunau
Ex libris for Maria Grunau. Plate print by Harald Jaensen, Bern 1901

Year: 1901
Size approx.: 10.5 x 7.5 cm
Condition: in good condition commensurate with age, mounted on cardboard

An ex libris (from the Latin ex libris = "from the books [of...]") is a small printed label that is pasted into the inside of a book cover to identify ownership.

The purpose: It protects valuable books from being lost when lent and shows who the owner is.
The inscription: It almost always contains the owner's name, often introduced 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 hobbies, profession, or personality of the owner.
The origin: The custom arose shortly after the invention of printing 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.