Artwork

Bookplate of the Abbey of Ottobeuren

Bookplate of the Abbey of Ottobeuren, by German 15th Century, ink, 1500
Bookplate of the Abbey of Ottobeuren, by German 15th Century, ink, 1500

Bookplate of the Abbey of Ottobeuren is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Bookplate of the Abbey of Ottobeuren is a print featuring a bold red and black design on laid paper. It was created using the woodcut technique and hand-colored with vermilion and red.

Subject & Meaning

The design includes a double-headed eagle and a shield with a lion, symbols often associated with power and used in heraldry. The bookplate was likely used to indicate ownership of books within the Abbey of Ottobeuren.

Technique & Style

The print is a woodcut, a technique involving carving a design into a wooden block, which is then used to print the image. The design is hand-colored in vermilion and red, adding to its visual impact.

Artist & collection

Portrait of German 15th Century

Artist

German 15th Century

This 15th-century German artist carved vivid religious scenes into metal and wood, then hand-painted them in bright, symbolic colors.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.