Ex libris van Karl Marten Andres 1883 - 1940

This is Sigmund Lipinsky's "Ex libris van Karl Marten Andres". Lipinsky, who lived from 1873 to 1940, created this artwork as a bookplate, a personalized label indicating ownership. At first glance, the figure in the image appears to be an allegory of light, offering enlightenment to the book's reader. Yet it is difficult not to view the figure through the lens of the male gaze. The woman is presented unclothed, kneeling demurely, while the bookplate is for a male owner. The effect sexualizes knowledge. It speaks to the power dynamics inherent in representation, and begs the question of who knowledge is really for. Ultimately, the image offers a glimpse into the cultural values and social norms of the time, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of gender, representation, and the politics of knowledge.