History of the Bookplate

Origins in Ancient Egypt

Replica of Amenhotep III’s clay tablet, the oldest known bookplate

The oldest known precursor of the bookplate is an Egyptian fired-clay tablet preserved in the British Museum. It contains a hieroglyphic inscription indicating that it belonged to the library of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who ruled Egypt between 1391 and 1353 BC.

The Middle Ages and the birth of the modern bookplate

In the Middle Ages, the first handwritten ownership marks appear in manuscripts. However, the bookplate as we know it today emerged alongside the printing press, and its development has been closely linked to the art of printing.

Hans Igler (1450)

Germany is considered the birthplace of the bookplate. The first documented example is that of the cleric Knabensberg, known as Hans Igler (“John Hedgehog”). It depicts a hedgehog eating wild flowers.

Wilhem von Zell (1470)

The second dated bookplate is that of Wilhem von Zell, from a Bavarian family with a fine library later transferred to the Buxheim Charterhouse. The shields symbolize the owner and his wife.

Hildebrando Brandenburg (1470)

Another of the earliest is the bookplate of Hildebrando Brandenburg of Bilberach, a monk of the Buxheim Charterhouse, to which he donated his library. His colored bookplate shows an angel holding the family coat of arms.

The Renaissance and the spread of the bookplate

During the Renaissance, bookplates spread throughout Europe along with the printing press. Artists such as Albrecht Dürer in Germany or Lucas Cranach the Elder began designing bookplates for the nobility and the clergy.

Art Nouveau and the golden age of the bookplate

Art Nouveau bookplate from the early 20th century

With Art Nouveau, the use of the bookplate gained momentum and became a vehicle for artistic trends. From this period onward, monographic studies began to appear, the first bookplate collectors emerged, and exhibitions were organized.

In this way, the bookplate became an instrument that, beyond showcasing an artist’s work, also fulfills its original purpose (marking the ownership of a book) and satisfies the interests of collectors.