Artwork

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with Isaac Smith inscribed

Bookplate:  Coat of Arms with Isaac Smith inscribed, by Nathaniel Hurd, 1764
Bookplate:  Coat of Arms with Isaac Smith inscribed, by Nathaniel Hurd, 1764

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with Isaac Smith inscribed is a print by Nathaniel Hurd. It dates from 1764 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

" Two globes sit on either side, and a name, "Isaac Smith," is written in cursive below.

This image shows a fancy coat of arms framed by swirling scrollwork. At the top, a sun shines down on a stack of books. Below it, a shield has a pyramid shape with three steps and a book on top. Around the shield, words wrap in a circle, including "COLLEGE HARVARD." Two globes sit on either side, and a name, "Isaac Smith," is written in cursive below.

The coat of arms looks like a symbol for Harvard College, founded in 1636. The books and pyramid might stand for knowledge and strength. The whole design is very detailed and old-fashioned.

Look up The Cleveland Museum of Art to see more prints like this.

Overview

This print, created around 1764 by Nathaniel Hurd, is a bookplate featuring a coat of arms with the name 'Isaac Smith' inscribed. It is currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The coat of arms is likely associated with Harvard College, given the presence of the words 'COLLEGE HARVARD' and the imagery of books and a pyramid, which may symbolize knowledge and strength.

Technique & Style

The design is characterized by intricate scrollwork and detailed heraldic elements, including a shield with a pyramid and books, and globes on either side, rendered in a style typical of 18th-century engraving.

Artist & collection

Artist

Nathaniel Hurd

Nathaniel Hurd (1730–1778) 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.