Bookplate of Thomas Dering 1749

This bookplate, engraved by American artist Nathaniel Hurd in 1749, depicts the coat of arms of Thomas Dering, featuring a stag's head and a shield with three "F's" surrounded by elaborate scrollwork. The bookplate, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a small but intricate example of Rococo design. Hurd, a prominent silversmith and engraver, employed a delicate and detailed style characteristic of the era, making it a valuable piece for understanding the artistry of early American engraving.