Ex libris van Johanna Maria Frowein Possibly 1940 - 1942

This bookplate was printed for Johanna Maria Frowein by an unknown artist. The stamp, in a distinctive red ink, declares 'Ex Libris', literally 'from the books of'. I'm struck by how such a simple thing—the act of marking ownership—can become a little work of art. The texture is smooth, as you might expect from a print, but there’s a depth to the red that pulls you in. Look closely, and you can see the intricate detailing of the trees and the grapes. It is reminiscent of medieval heraldry, a symbolic language of family and belonging. This small emblem speaks volumes about Johanna Maria Frowein's identity as a collector and patron of the arts. The careful composition and symbolic elements remind me of the work of artists like Hilma af Klint, who used abstract forms to express spiritual ideas. Ultimately, this little gem makes me consider how we all leave our mark on the things we love.