Book plate Daniela Thode 1902

Hans Thoma created this bookplate for Daniela Thode von Bülow, a member of German intellectual circles in the late 19th century. The design is a window into the cultural values and personal identity of its time. The hands that frame the image symbolize protection and a sense of curated knowledge, while the nest with the mother bird and chicks, represents themes of home, nurturing, and familial bonds. The oak leaves, traditional symbols of strength, are intertwined with swirling lines that add an Art Nouveau aesthetic to the piece. Bookplates were deeply personal and often reflected one's social standing, intellectual interests, and cultural affiliations. "Ex Libris" marked the owner's identity within the text, binding the person to their collection, reflecting the owner's identity and personal history. In its intimate scale and symbolism, the bookplate offers a glimpse into the private world of Daniela Thode and the values she embraced.