Ex libris van T. Mengelberg 1913

Lodewijk Schelfhout created this bookplate for T. Mengelberg using etching. Bookplates, often overlooked, offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural values of their time. They embody layers of identity and can tell us much about class, taste, and gender. Here, the bookplate is adorned with a stylized architectural motif, perhaps a family home, presented in a somewhat medieval style. This design speaks to a desire for tradition, permanence, and possibly a longing for an idealised past. Bookplates also act as markers of intellectual identity and personal history. “Ex Libris”, Latin for "from the books of", connects the owner to a long tradition of learning and scholarship. It suggests that books aren't merely possessions but are integral to the owner's self-conception. The choice of imagery, combined with the personal inscription, becomes a statement about the owner's identity. This little emblem encapsulates a sense of self, heritage, and belonging within a broader cultural narrative.