Ex libris van het Familiearchief Cornets de Groot 1926

Eeltjo Aldegondus van Beresteijn created this Ex libris van het Familiearchief Cornets de Groot, but we don't know exactly when or with what. I'm immediately drawn to the tiny, ornate details of the family crest. It's like a miniature world, sealed within that simple circular frame. I love thinking about the physical act of making something like this, the precision required to render the text and heraldic elements so clearly at such a small scale. The black ink is so opaque and unwavering; you can feel the careful hand of the artist. The composition is incredibly balanced, with the crest perfectly centered, surrounded by text running along the perimeter. It reminds me of some of the graphic work of Hilma af Klint with its symbolism and use of text. Ultimately, this Ex Libris is a reminder that art is always a dialogue, a conversation across time, and an invitation to see the world in new and unexpected ways.