Artwork

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with John Sullivan inscribed below

Bookplate:  Coat of Arms with John Sullivan inscribed below, by Joseph Callender, 1796
Bookplate:  Coat of Arms with John Sullivan inscribed below, by Joseph Callender, 1796

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with John Sullivan inscribed below is a print by Joseph Callender. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

" The coat of arms is surrounded by decorative elements, including leaves and a circular design at the top.

This image shows a coat of arms with a shield featuring four animals: a boar, a deer, and two dragons. Above the shield is a bird, and below it is a ribbon with the inscription "MO DESTIA VICTR IX." The coat of arms is surrounded by decorative elements, including leaves and a circular design at the top.

The image appears to be a bookplate, with the name "John Sullivan" inscribed below the coat of arms. The style of the image suggests that it may be from the 18th or 19th century.

If you're interested in learning more about this type of art, you might want to look up the work of Joseph Callender, an American artist known for his engravings and bookplates.

Overview

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with John Sullivan inscribed below is an 18th-century print created by Joseph Callender around 1796, now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The bookplate features a heraldic coat of arms with a shield bearing a boar, a deer, and two dragons, topped by a bird and a ribbon inscribed with 'MO DESTIA VICTR IX'. Below, the name 'John Sullivan' is inscribed, indicating the book's owner.

Technique & Style

The print showcases intricate decorative elements, including leaves and a circular design above the shield, characteristic of 18th- or early 19th-century bookplate design, with Callender's engraving skills on display.

History & Provenance

Created c. 1796 by American engraver Joseph Callender, the bookplate is now held in the permanent collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art, with its history of ownership prior to the museum not detailed here.

Context

This work reflects the tradition of bookplates as markers of ownership among book collectors during the late 18th century, with the coat of arms signifying the owner's heritage or aspirations.

Legacy

While not broadly renowned on its own, the bookplate exemplifies Joseph Callender's contributions to American engraving and bookplate design of his era, available for study at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Joseph Callender

Joseph Callender (1751–1821) was an American artist.

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