Ex libris van August Sassen 1898

Willem Brouwer made this bookplate for August Sassen in the Netherlands, sometime around 1898. It exemplifies the cultural significance of book ownership. Bookplates, or "ex libris," were often commissioned by wealthy individuals to mark their ownership of books, indicating both literacy and status. The design incorporates owls, symbols of wisdom, along with stylized lettering and geometric patterns typical of the Art Nouveau movement. Brouwer's choice of imagery likely reflects Sassen's personal interests or professional identity. It’s intriguing to note that these bookplates, like many graphic arts of the period, were also influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, which critiqued industrial production and emphasized craftsmanship. The study of bookplates like this involves exploring not only artistic styles but also the social history of reading and book collecting. By researching the original owner, August Sassen, and the cultural context of the Netherlands at the end of the 19th century, we can better understand the values and aspirations represented by this small but telling object.