Artwork

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with Thomas Cary inscribed below

Bookplate:  Coat of Arms with Thomas Cary inscribed below, by Joseph Callender, 1796
Bookplate:  Coat of Arms with Thomas Cary inscribed below, by Joseph Callender, 1796

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with Thomas Cary 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

Overview

This print is a bookplate featuring a coat of arms, created by Joseph Callender around 1796. It is currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The coat of arms displays a harp with three flowers and a bird on top, surrounded by ornate details. The Latin motto 'In medio tutissimus ibis' or 'You will be safest in the middle' is inscribed on a banner below, conveying a message of caution or balance. The name 'Thomas Cary' is written beneath.

Technique & Style

The design is rendered in black and white, with intricate swirls and leaves framing the harp, giving it an old-fashioned appearance. The lettering is ornate, with the motto and name 'Thomas Cary' executed in fancy and cursive scripts respectively.

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.