Drukkersmerk van Plantijn c. 1600 - 1670

This is a printer's mark, made by an anonymous artist for Christoffel Plantijn, a book printer in the Netherlands. It's made of ink on paper, created through the labor-intensive process of engraving. Look closely and you will see the hand holding a pair of compasses, tools for measurement and precision. This image testifies to the skill required for printing. The text 'Labore et Constantia' emphasizes the values of ‘labor and constancy’, required for printing and publishing. The mark is framed by detailed ornamentation, reflecting the cultural significance and elevated status associated with printed books, and the values of hard work, dedication, and precision that the printing firm wanted to uphold. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, and the production of printed books was a complex enterprise. The printer’s mark thus becomes a symbol of the wider system of labor, commerce, and knowledge production. It served as a visual stamp of quality and integrity, but also as a statement about the importance of craft, skill, and the dedication of those involved in book production.