Bookplate
an English name for labels of ownership frequently placed on the inside covers of books. The use of bookplates is of some antiquity, and mention has been made of one dated in the middle of the 15th century, but at present the fine bookplates of Bilibaldus Pirckheimer (1470-1530), designed by Albert Dürer, hold the foremost place in plates are not found of SO early a date, point of time. Engraved English book- VIII.'s library, now in the British Mu- but an old folio volume from Henry plates are not found of so early a date, but an old folio volume from Henry VIII.'s library, now in the British Muporters, and cardinal's hat. The earliest drawing which formed the bookplate of Cardinal Wolsey, with his arms, supporters, and cardinal's hat. The earliest father of Lord Chancellor Bacon, which known is that of Sir Nicholas Bacon, father of Lord Chancellor Bacon, which is dated 1574. Samuel Pepys had several bookplates; those with his own portrait Secretary to the Admiralty under Charles II. and James II., but the one with his initials and the crossed anchors was collectors for their bookplates have been The styles collectors for their bookplates have been les of design adopted by book very diverse. Some of these labels have contained merely the name of the possome are allegorical in design, and others some are allegorical in design, and others are ornamented with miniature land scapes. Many distinguished artists have name of Albert Dürer has already been mer's two plates-one in which the almer's two plates-one in which the allegorical and the armorial elements are united, and the other consisting of a large and bold portrait of the once celebrated senator of Nuremberg. Of English engravers, William Marshall and Robert White may be especially mentioned.
Hogarth engraved a bookplate for John Holland, heraldic artist, and another for George Lambert, the scene painter. The earliest bookplates were of large size, as if made especially for folios, but a smaller size soon became general, a size which was used for both large and small books. The fashion of collecting bookplates is a very modern one.