Ex libris van Fanny de Koe-de Laat de Kanter 1940

This bookplate for Fanny de Koe-de Laat de Kanter, made by an anonymous artist, features a prominent eight-pointed star, a motif laden with history. Within its angles, we see the years '18, '31, '40, '90.' This star is no mere geometric shape; it echoes the ancient symbols of Ishtar and Inanna, goddesses of love, war, and the celestial. Think of the Star of David, or even the stars adorning Renaissance depictions of the Virgin Mary; these symbols resonate with protection, guidance, and destiny. Yet, unlike those, this star seems to mark time itself, perhaps significant years in Fanny's life. Consider how such symbols morph across time and space. What began as a representation of divine power becomes a personal emblem, a marker of individual milestones. The collective memory, the subconscious echoes of ages past, imbue this simple star with a profound emotional weight. This bookplate is not just a name tag; it's a miniature cosmos.