Artwork

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with Foster inscribed below

Bookplate:  Coat of Arms with Foster inscribed below, by John Mason Furness, 1793
Bookplate:  Coat of Arms with Foster inscribed below, by John Mason Furness, 1793

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with Foster inscribed below is a print by John Mason Furness. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This print is a bookplate designed by John Mason Furnass around 1793, featuring a coat of arms with the surname 'Foster' inscribed below.

About this work

Overview

This print is a bookplate designed by John Mason Furnass around 1793, featuring a coat of arms with the surname 'Foster' inscribed below.

Subject & Meaning

The coat of arms depicts a cradle with a bird on top, surrounded by foliage and scrollwork, with the motto 'TO ROCK THE CRADLE OF REPOSING AGE'. The imagery may hold personal significance for the Foster family, potentially symbolizing a family crest or legacy.

Technique & Style

The bookplate is a detailed black-and-white drawing, signed 'J.M. Furnass Sc.', indicating it is a hand-engraved work. The intricate design and traditional heraldic elements reflect the style of late 18th-century printmaking.

History & Provenance

The bookplate is held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art, providing a documented provenance for the work.

Artist & collection

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