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Mexican Bookplate Collection, [19--?]

 Series

Scope and Content

From the Collection: The Mexican Bookplate Collection consists of 170 Mexican bookplates, plus four French examples. The collection represents the styles of heraldry and of ornamentation in vogue at various times in the 20th century.

Many of the illustrations are rare examples including those of more modern design. No attempt has been made to chronologize the collection or to attribute dates, artists, or the owners who commissioned the plates. Variations of iconography for a single moniker or logo are common.

The book plates in this collection represent private libraries, institutions and entities involved in book dealing. Individual plates tend to be highly imaginative in subject matter and execution, from coats of arms to rough woodcuts. Institutional Mexican bookplates depict more traditional bibliophile images. Bookseller's and binder's bookplates demonstrate the artistry of engraving. Elaborate engravings of rock work, flowers, branches, ribbons, and coronets are standard. There are a number of anonymous ex-libris plates which may be of special interest to those involved in the bibliopedagogue of Mexican historical, antiquarian, archival and literary associations.

Note that in some cases the inventory may not reflect the correct name usage or spelling due to deteriorated legibility or confusing design.

Dates

  • [19--?]

Language of Materials

From the Collection: Spanish.

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Extent

From the Collection: 2 boxes (.20 cu. ft.)

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451