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.

Accession no.
1917.940
Credit line
Membership Income Fund

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.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Bookplate: Coat of Arms with Isaac Smith inscribed?

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with Isaac Smith inscribed was painted by Nathaniel Hurd in 1764.

Where can I see Bookplate: Coat of Arms with Isaac Smith inscribed?

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with Isaac Smith inscribed is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.