]]>Ex libris, meaning ‘from the library of’, or ‘from the books of’ is a Latin expression attached to the art form of bookplates. These are stamps or labels that appear inside books to denote ownership, and range from the simple to the decorative and elaborate, to the obscure or even bizarre and surreal.
Noble families often used a personal coat of arms or crest, frequently featuring a family motto in their native language or in Latin. Naturally, styles change over time, but most bookplates reflect the decorative styles of the era in which they were created. A vast range of illustrations feature on bookplates - dragons, angels, trophies, animals, birds, children, musical instruments, weapons, floral displays, trees, plants, landscapes and much more.
