Bookplate of Thomas Redfield Proctor and Maria Watson Williams Proctor 19th-20th century

Curator: Here we have Sidney L. Smith's "Bookplate of Thomas Redfield Proctor and Maria Watson Williams Proctor," held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The composition is dense, a room contained within a frame. I find the interior oddly melancholic. Curator: Bookplates signal ownership, but this one offers a glimpse into the cultural world of the Proctors, their values of family and literature. Editor: Note the use of line—it’s so delicate and precise, creating a sense of depth within this miniature space. Curator: And the motto, "The Best Books of the Best Men," evokes a specific worldview, one rooted in tradition and intellectual pursuit. It’s a testament to the enduring power of visual symbols. Editor: Yes, even something as seemingly simple as a bookplate speaks volumes through its formal qualities. Curator: Indeed, and the placement of the Proctors' name directly below the image emphasizes their identity as cultured individuals. Editor: A small object, yet rich in detail and cultural significance. Curator: Exactly. It leaves us pondering what "the best" truly means.