Reproductie van negen prenten van drukkersmerken, ontworpen door onder andere Godefroy Ballain, Pieter Huys en Pieter van der Borcht before 1880

This is a reproduction of nine printer's marks, designed by artists like Godefroy Ballain, Pieter Huys, and Pieter van der Borcht. These marks, small emblems used by early printers, offer a window into the cultural and intellectual world of the 15th and 16th centuries. Each mark is a carefully crafted symbol, reflecting the printer’s identity, values, and aspirations within the burgeoning print culture. These designs often incorporate classical imagery, allegorical figures, and Latin mottos, alluding to the printer’s classical education and humanist leanings. In a time of censorship and religious conflict, a printer’s mark also served as a visual statement of his intellectual and political allegiances. Look closely, and you might see the scales of justice, the caduceus of Mercury, or even a simple anchor, each conveying a specific message to the educated reader. These marks offer a connection to a time when the printed word was a powerful force for change, and printers saw themselves as guardians of knowledge and intellectual freedom. They invite us to reflect on the power of symbols and the ways in which individuals assert their identity through art and commerce.