Ex libris van M.F. Gelasii Hieber c. 1650 - 1735

This is an ex libris, or bookplate, made by Joseph Mörl in the early 18th century. It was made for M.F. Gelasii Hieber, a member of the Order of Saint Augustine. The image shows Hieber as an enlightened scholar, bathed in divine light, presumably writing theological tracts. It embodies the Augustinian ideals of piety and erudition, common in the Austrian Baroque. The "Scientia et Charitate" inscription underscores the period's intertwining of faith and reason. Bookplates such as this one speak to the social and intellectual culture of the time. They offer a glimpse into personal libraries, revealing both the social status of the owner and the kind of books they valued. The bookplate becomes a signifier of identity, connecting individuals to broader cultural and religious movements. To understand this print fully, we must consider not only the artist's intentions but also the social and religious institutions that shaped its creation and reception. Scholarly resources like library catalogues and religious archives can tell us more.