Ex libris van Mor en Ulla Rosenthal 1900 - 1922

Emil Doepler created this bookplate, or "ex libris," for Mor and Ulla Rosenthal. Bookplates, often pasted inside the cover of a book, indicated ownership and frequently reflected the owner's identity. Doepler, a painter, illustrator, and heraldist working in Germany, tapped into his deep knowledge of cultural symbols to imbue these small artworks with meaning. Consider the Rosenthals' place in society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time of evolving social norms and rising nationalism. This particular bookplate offers a glimpse into their identity as bibliophiles, perhaps also reflecting their cultural interests or affiliations. The choice of imagery, design, and the very act of commissioning a personalized bookplate all speak to their sense of self and belonging. In a world where books were precious and personal libraries were status symbols, bookplates became intimate expressions of identity. As you look, think about how this small artwork encapsulates the Rosenthals' lives, loves, and place in a changing world.