Bookplate: Coat of Arms with William Greenleaf Jun.r inscribed
1764
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1764
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This is a black-and-white drawing of a fancy coat of arms. At the center sits a shield with a cross shape inside it. Swirling vines, leaves, and a bird perch on top, while two small skulls peek out from the sides. Below the shield, the name "William Greenleaf Jun.r" is written in flowing script. The tiny skulls are a weird but common detail in old family crests—called *memento mori*, they’re a reminder that life is short. This was likely made for a book to mark who owned it. Next, check out The Cleveland Museum of Art to see more prints like this.
