Ex Libris - A. Salardi - Aldo Galli

Ex Libris / Book Label / Bookmark / Bookplate

Ex libris A. Salardi for Aldo Galli

Aldo Galli (1906 - 1981), well-known Italian painter, sculptor, and graphic artist. A leading figure of the abstract artist group "Astratissi Cornaschi" in Como

hand-signed on the front

Year: 1951
Size approx.: 14 x 10 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 out 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 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.