Ex Libris - Ex Musicis - Dora Geldzahler

Ex Libris / Bookslip / Bookmark / Bookplate

Exlibris Dora Geldzahler

Dora Geldzahler (1906 - 2000) was a Belgian graphic artist, woodcutter, painter, and art patron.

Ex Libris - from the books, Ex Musicis - from the music collection
It is likely a personal mark for her collection

handwritten signature on the bottom right

Woodcut
Year: 
Size approx.: 11 x 9.5 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 onto the inside cover of a book to indicate ownership.

The purpose: It protects valuable books from being lost when lent out and indicates 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 hobbies, profession, or personality of the owner.
The origin: The custom originated 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 created as woodcuts or copper engravings, later as lithographs, etchings, or linocuts.