Bookplate: Coat of Arms with K. K. Van Rensselaer, Esq. inscribed below
1793
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1793
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This drawing shows a coat of arms with a shield split into four sections. The top left has a cross, the top right has a castle, and the bottom has crowns and a wave-like base. Above the shield is a flaming torch, and below it is a banner with Latin words. The whole thing is framed by leaves and vines, and the name "K. K. Van Rensselaer, Esq." is written at the bottom. The Latin on the banner reads *"VERTUS EST VERA VETUSTAS"*, which means "True virtue is ancient." This was likely made for a family or group that wanted to show their history and status. If you like old family symbols, check out The Cleveland Museum of Art to see more like this.
