Ex Libris
CURATED COLLECTIONBookplates make up this collection: small printed labels, typically pasted inside the front cover of a book, designed to record ownership and often to declare something about the owner's taste or profession. Heraldic crests were an early standard motif, later joined by allegorical scenes, portraits and playful personal emblems as the form developed into a recognised field for graphic artists and engravers working at small scale. Collecting and studying bookplates became an established pursuit in its own right, with specialist societies and dedicated exhibitions. The works here show decorative design compressed into one of its smallest formats.
About the Ex Libris collection
Browse 2,051 public-domain artworks in the Ex Libris, available as canvas, rolled canvas, framed canvas and framed prints.
Bookplates make up this collection: small printed labels, typically pasted inside the front cover of a book, designed to record ownership and often to declare something about the owner's taste or profession. Heraldic crests were an early standard motif, later joined by allegorical scenes, portraits and playful personal emblems as the form developed into a recognised field for graphic artists and engravers working at small scale. Collecting and studying bookplates became an established pursuit in its own right, with specialist societies and dedicated exhibitions. The works here show decorative design compressed into one of its smallest formats.
Other collections
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- Botanical Illustrations — 18,504 artworks
Prints of these artworks
Every artwork here can be downloaded as the original high-resolution file, or ordered as a Canvas, Rolled Canvas, Framed Canvas or Framed Print from $21.99, shipping included.
Sizes and framing
Sizes are listed in inches and centimetres, with up to 26 sizes available depending on the print type, from small desk pieces up to large statement pieces. A size that doesn't match this artwork's own proportions is centred and trimmed to fit, and each print type's page states exactly how much of the image that removes.
Framed Canvas and Framed Print orders are available in 8 frame colours (Black, White, Natural, Gold, Walnut, Silver, Dark Grey, Light Grey); Canvas and Rolled Canvas have no frame and no glass.
Frequently asked questions
- How many artworks are in Ex Libris?
- There are 2,051 public-domain artworks in the Ex Libris collection on Archive Lane.
- Can I download these as digital files?
- Yes, every artwork can be previewed for free and downloaded as the original high-resolution file with a one-off purchase or a membership.