Harvard College Bookplate with the Christo et Ecclesiæ Seal 1765

This is Nathaniel Hurd's "Harvard College Bookplate with the Christo et Ecclesiæ Seal", made around 1770, utilizing engraving on paper. The bookplate presents a complex interplay of symbolic elements, meticulously arranged within a defined structure. We see fine lines and detailed textures, characteristic of engraving, which give form to the college's seal and surrounding motifs. At the top, the sun shines down upon a stack of books, illuminating the pursuit of knowledge. The central shield, bearing the college's insignia, is framed by an ornate circular border, reinforcing the institution's established presence. Festoons of fruit and foliage add a layer of classical ornamentation. Below, a draped cloth creates a visual pause, highlighting the name "Thorndike". The composition's symmetry and balance speak to a desire for order and intellectual clarity. These formal choices reflect the values of the institution it represents and invites contemplation on Harvard's role in shaping intellectual and cultural landscapes.