Explore Beethoven’s Ex Libris: Artistic Tributes
Delve into a world of artistic homage with our collection of Ex Libris dedicated to the legendary composer, Ludwig van Beethoven. These exquisitely crafted bookplates offer a glimpse into Beethoven’s influence on various artists and book owners. Explore the symbolism and artistry within each Ex Libris, and gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of this musical giant.
by an unknown artist Description: 200 Year Anniv. Issue Source: Czech Republic Collection of Th. Roman. |
by Ferenc Gal (Hungary) Description: Beethoven and two scores of music Source: Holland Collection of Peter Rath. |
by Ladislav J. Kaspar Technique: Engraving Size: 126 mm x 95 mm Description: Original interpreted sketch portrait, typography Collection of Peter Rath. |
Artist: Henrie Bacher (born 1890 in Saargemünd, died 1934) Technique: wood engraving Description: Beethoven face based on mask, sheet of music Source: Germany Collection of Th. Roman. |
by Lembit Löhmus Technique: Copper Engraving Source: Estonia Collection of Th. Roman. |
Technique: Wood Engraving Size: 90 mm x 55 mm Description: Mask based portrait, bird at top, banner EM , lyre, notes, book, clefs as decoration, larel-wreat, keyboard, mandolin Source: Germany Collection of Th. Roman. |
by Bruno da Osimo (born 1888 in Osimo, died 1962 at Ancona) Technique: Wood Engraving Description: Somber portrait original with Oakleaf twig Source: Italy Collection of Th. Roman. |
by Hubert Schmid (lives in Krems) Technique: Wood Engraving Source: Germany Collection of Th. Roman. |
by an unknown artist Technique: Copper Engraving Source: Hungary Collection of Peter Rath |
by F.J. (?) Technique: Wood Engraving Description: Mask based portrait, text written as cryptogram, music notes Source: Germany Collection of Peter Rath via Th. Roman. |
by Josef Weiser Technique: Linoleum cut Description: Portrait with lyre, Beethoven and banner with years 1770-1827 Source: Czech Republic Collection of Th. Roman. |
by Walter Wuyts Technique: Linoleum cut, 3 colors Size: 100 mm x 100 mm Description: Original interpreted sketch portrait, typography Year: 1988 Source: Holland Collection of Peter Rath. |
by Rudolph Höhne Lithograph printed by Kunstanstalt Kaufe – Gold Foil Source: Mannheim, Germany Collection of Th.Roman. |
by Max Klinger about 1894 Technique used was both etching and engraving Source: Bernd Dehmer, Germany. |
by Antal Fery, Hungary, in 1965 Wood Engraving, two colors Image after Beethoven statue face in Hungary and the four string instruments suggest Quartet Collection of Th. Roman. |
by Vojtech Cinybulk – Praha Wood Engraving Collection of Th. Roman. |
by Charlotte Naumann, Dresden Copper etching Collection of Sergio Carrino, Muggia, Italy. |
By permission of the Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies, San Jose State University. |
by Erhard Amadeus-Dier Technique: Etching (Radierung) Made in 1918 By permission of the Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies, San Jose State University. |
by Hubert Wilm Main theme is Arion riding the Dolphin Technique: Etching with remarque of Beethoven Made in 1914 © B. Dehmer, Germany. |
by Anna Lazlo (Hungaria) The image is a bust of Beethoven on a pedestal Technique: C3 multicolour Made in 1932 Artist and owner are Australian. |
Violonist with the face of Beethoven in the background Created in 1907 From the Collection of Marianne Kalt, Switzerland. |
by Julio Fernandez Sàez (Spain) Technique: wood engraving Description: portrait with the score and words of the Ode to Joy Size: 8 cm x 10,5 cm Collection of Edwin Jewell, Australia. |
by Walter Kornhas Description: In the center: Columns of Roman ruins; Famous poets and composers forming forming a wreath crowned by Beethoven. Clockwise: Dante, Shakespeare, Homer, Hoelderlin, Mozart — A Heraldic coat of arms, bearing a goat — Haydn, Bach, Goethe, Cervantes and Aristotle. The music at bottom is the 5th Symphony and there is a trio performing, violin, flute and Forte piano. Size: 13,9 cm x 18,3 cm Created in 1916. |
Pianist with Beethoven’s mask at the rear Collection of Bert Groeneveld (the Netherlands). |
by A. Cossmann Description: life mask of Beethoven with black mourning crepe veil and wildflowers Collection of Peter Rath. |
Description: Lyra with the names of Haydn, Beethoven and Mozart. |
Description: muse with a lyra, and a bust of Beethoven (?). |
Savoyen by Alfred Cossmann Description: painting of Beethoven on a monument, and a city can be seen in the background Origin: Austria. |
by Julio Fernandez Saez Description: bust of Beethoven with a collection of stamps, in the foreground, and a tower which can be seen through the window, in the background. |
by Louis Garcia Falgas Description: Beethoven with roses. |
by von Bayros Description: Small Beethoven mask, under which a scene can be seen – A hard working man climb a mountain carrying a heavy rock; Women (nymphs) are watching him. |
by von Bayros Description: Beethoven mask, above which is a nymph with lightning in one hand and caressing an eagle with the other hand. |
by Hedwig Pauwels (Belgium) Created in 1994 Technique: Copper Etching C 3/2 Collection of H.Hanlet (Luxembourg) Thanks to Robert H. Riess (Luxembourg). |
by Hedwig Pauwels (Belgium) Created in 1994 Technique: Copper Etching C 3/2 Collection of Hedwig Pauwels (Belgium) Thanks to Robert H. Ries (Luxembourg). |
Created for Karl Bock |
Created for Henrik Horvath |
Ex-Musicis created for Argimiro Santos (Spain) |
Created by V. V. Pokatov |
Created by Vasily Mocshenko |
Created by Sviatoslav Richter |
Created for Magrit and Gunter Hold. |
Created by Lyudmila Chuvashevskaya |
Created for Frajcsi Ciborne |
Ex-libris and es-musicis |
Created by Alexey Yupatov |
Created by Jindrich Pilecek |
Created by David Bekker |
Created by OswinVolkamer, Leipzig, Germany |
We invite you to embark on a visual journey through Beethoven’s legacy. This collection of Ex Libris provides a unique perspective on the composer’s impact, offering a treasure trove for music enthusiasts and art collectors alike.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ex Libris (bookplates) celebrating the life and works of Ludwig van Beethoven:
An Ex Libris, also known as a bookplate, is a label or stamp typically placed inside the front cover of a book to indicate ownership. These decorative emblems often feature the owner’s name, coat of arms, or a motto. Ex Libris dedicated to famous figures, like Beethoven, can depict imagery related to their life or work, creating a fascinating connection between the owner and the composer.
This collection offers a window into how different artists interpreted Beethoven’s legacy. Some Ex Libris feature portraits of the composer, while others showcase motifs from his most famous works. By studying the symbolism and artistic styles within each piece, viewers gain a deeper understanding of Beethoven’s enduring influence across various artistic disciplines.
The existence of Beethoven-themed Ex Libris speaks volumes about the composer’s widespread popularity and cultural significance. These bookplates were often commissioned by music lovers and scholars who sought to personalize their book collections and demonstrate their admiration for Beethoven. The variety of styles and themes within the collection reflects the multifaceted nature of Beethoven’s genius.
The collection contains a mix of original and reproduced Ex Libris. Original bookplates are valuable historical artifacts, offering a direct link to past owners and artistic movements. Reproductions, on the other hand, allow a wider audience to appreciate the artistry and symbolism inherent in these unique pieces.
The history of Ex Libris stretches back centuries, with early examples dating back to the 15th century. Several museums and libraries house extensive Ex Libris collections, and there are numerous resources available online to delve deeper into this fascinating art form.