Artwork

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with David Greene inscribed below

Bookplate:  Coat of Arms with David Greene inscribed below, by Paul Revere II, 1782
Bookplate:  Coat of Arms with David Greene inscribed below, by Paul Revere II, 1782

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with David Greene inscribed below is a print by the Baroque artist Paul Revere II. It dates from 1782 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This small printed work, intended as a bookplate, bears a heraldic shield flanked by decorative foliage.

About this work

Overview

This small printed work, intended as a bookplate, bears a heraldic shield flanked by decorative foliage. Central to the design are three stylized deer and a scroll bearing the Latin motto “NEC TIMEO NEC SPERNO.” Below the emblem the name “David Greene” appears, identifying the intended owner. The plate is executed on a light‑toned paper or parchment support and measures only a few inches across.

Subject & Meaning

Together they convey the proprietor’s social standing and personal philosophy, typical of private bookplates used to mark ownership.

The heraldic imagery combines animal and textual symbols common to 18th‑century personal insignia. The three deer may reference family lineage or virtues such as swiftness and vigilance, while the motto translates as “I fear neither… nor hope for…”—a statement of stoic resolve. Together they convey the proprietor’s social standing and personal philosophy, typical of private bookplates used to mark ownership.

Technique & Style

Rendered in the Baroque aesthetic, the plate displays intricate line work and elaborate ornamentation. Fine hatching and delicate shading give depth to the foliage and the antlers, while the lettering is rendered in a flowing, cursive hand. The overall composition balances symmetry with dynamic movement, reflecting the period’s preference for decorative richness within a compact format.

History & Provenance

Created in 1782 by Paul Revere II, the American silversmith and engraver, the bookplate reflects his early forays into printmaking. It entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is catalogued as part of the museum’s holdings of early American decorative arts. The plate’s provenance traces back to the Greene family, though further ownership details remain limited.

Artist & collection

Artist

Paul Revere II

Paul Revere II (1735–1818) 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.