Artwork
Bookplate: William Macey Stone
Bookplate: William Macey Stone is a print by Unknown. It dates from 1901 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This bookplate features a central figure of a young girl with short dark hair, dressed in a plaid dress, standing with her back to the viewer and gazing at a book titled 'THE BABES IN THE WOOD'. The simple, charming design is set against a light beige background.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a girl absorbed in reading, embodies innocence and curiosity of childhood. The specific book title, 'THE BABES IN THE WOOD', a well-known nursery tale, may symbolize the girl's engagement with classic children's literature.
Technique & Style
The bookplate's design is characterized by simplicity and charm, with bold black text (for the artist's name, title, and book text) contrasting against a light beige background. The overall style suggests a focus on effortless, endearing representation.
History & Provenance
The bookplate is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, attributed to William Macey Stone. Specific creation dates and the artist's broader context within bookplate design of the era are not detailed here.
Context
Bookplates, like this one, served as labels of ownership in personal libraries. This piece reflects a common theme in bookplate design during its time: depicting readers or scenes related to literature, often with a personal or symbolic touch.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
