Who painted Bookplate: Coat of Arms with James Giles inscribed below?

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with James Giles inscribed below was painted by Peter Rushton Maverick in 1793.

Where can I see Bookplate: Coat of Arms with James Giles inscribed below?

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with James Giles inscribed below is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Can I buy a print of Bookplate: Coat of Arms with James Giles inscribed below?

Museum-quality prints of Bookplate: Coat of Arms with James Giles inscribed below are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with James Giles inscribed below

Peter Rushton Maverick , 1793

Bookplate: Coat of Arms with James Giles inscribed below is a print by Peter Rushton Maverick. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1918.153
Credit line: General Income Fund

About this work

Overview

Peter Rushton Maverick’s bookplate, dated circa 1793, presents a heraldic composition framed by ornamental motifs.

Peter Rushton Maverick’s bookplate, dated circa 1793, presents a heraldic composition framed by ornamental motifs. Executed as a print, the work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. The central shield bears two lions, one supporting the shield, the other positioned above, while a banner beneath carries the Latin motto “Libertas et Patria Mea.” The name “James Giles” appears in a cursive inscription at the lower edge.

Subject & Meaning

The heraldic elements convey a sense of familial or civic identity, with the lions symbolizing strength and guardianship. The surrounding spears, grapes, and wreath suggest martial readiness, abundance, and honor. The motto “Libertas et Patria Mea,” translating to “Liberty and My Country,” aligns the owner’s personal values with broader Enlightenment ideals of freedom and patriotism.

Technique & Style

Maverick employed fine line work typical of late‑eighteenth‑century bookplates, using engraving or etching to achieve crisp outlines and delicate shading. The composition balances dense ornamental framing with a clear central emblem, reflecting the period’s taste for intricate, personalized insignia that could be reproduced in modest size for inclusion in bound volumes.

History & Provenance

Created around 1793, the plate was likely commissioned by James Giles as a personal mark for his books. The piece entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition (specific donation details not recorded in the source). Its survival offers insight into the practices of American printmakers and the use of heraldic imagery in private libraries during the early Republic.