Bookplates from the archives of the National Library of Romania and the National Library of the Republic of Moldova: some profiles from the big collections

Abstract

The paper is focused on the bookplates in original and in reproductions kept in the large collections of the Romanian cultural space. Data on the stylistic elements of the signs of possession from the old books and from the engraving and drawing collections are provided. Important data is offered on the ex-libris types, on the creative traditions and rules of making, on the origin of the signed books and of the artworks made in Romania, Republic of Moldova and other states in different years. Also, there are highlighted original bookplates made by Leonid Nikitin and Valeriu Herţa, the well-known artists and engravers of the Republic of Moldova. The author has described and analyzed graphic works, stressing their technical and decorative account, and evidencing common features of bookplates – general somber appearance, free and also refined grotesque drawing, sophisticated play with the text and images.