Lot 69
JAMES HERBERT MCNAIR (1868-1955) ‡§
BOOKPLATE FOR JOHN TURNBULL KNOX, 1896
Auction: 19 August 2013 at 12:00 BST
Description
etching, signed and dated in the plate 'J. Herbert McNair Inv. Del./ 1896' and inscribed 'Nourished by Middle Earth/ breathed on by Heavenly/ Dew,/ Flourished a Tree of Worth/ Flourished and/ Grew/ The Tree of Knowledge', framed and glazed
Dimensions
9cm x 7cm
Footnote
Literature: Howarth, Thomas, 'Charles Rennie Mackintosh and The Modern Movement', London, 1977, p. 19-20
Burkhauser, Jude (Edit), 'Glasgow Girls, Women in Art and Design 1880-1920', Edinburgh, 1990, p. 105 for illustrations of similar bookplates
Note: Howarth comments "the book-plate...was designed by MacNair for John Turnbull Knox; in it there is a falcon-the Knox crest-hovering above the tree of knowledge which enfolds in its branches the spirits of art and poetry, represented by two sad female figures with long flowing tresses. The two spirits hold in their hands rose-buds which appear as cherub heads, and lilies, emblems of painting and sculpture. The heads embraced by the falcon's wings are breathing the dew of inspiration which falls on the tree of knowledge from above...This example, with the Conversazione Programme, recaptures admirably the atmosphere of subtle erotic symbolism that pervaded the last decade of the nineteenth century."