P.Pietra, Memento Mori, Ex Libris Gino Sabattini, Mid 20th Century, Woodcut

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Offset print on paper. Not signed nor numbered, as issued. Signed in the plate "p.pietra" a highly decorative and visually … Read more Offset print on paper. Not signed nor numbered, as issued. Signed in the plate "p.pietra" a highly decorative and visually arresting ex libris designed for gino sabattini, centred upon an elaborate memento mori composition. A human skull, rendered in meticulous linear detail, appears dressed in an extravagant plumed hat and ornamental costume, transforming the traditional emblem of mortality into an almost theatrical figure. Above the composition appears the inscription “ex libris gino sabattini,” while along the left margin the latin maxim “amo nesciri” is arranged vertically. Literally translated as “i love to be unknown” or “i desire to remain unknown,” the phrase has long-standing associations with christian humility and the rejection of worldly fame. Its presence beside the skull lends the bookplate a distinctly philosophical character: reputation, vanity and earthly distinction ultimately disappear before mortality. The composition is executed with considerable graphic confidence. Dense parallel hatching describes the broad sweep of the hat and the cavities of the skull, while lighter, more spontaneous lines articulate the extravagant feathers and ornamental flourishes. Particularly effective is the contrast between the anatomical precision of the skull and the exuberant elegance of its costume—a deliberate confrontation between death and worldly display. Good overall condition. The printed image remains strong and clearly defined, retaining excellent detail throughout the skull, hat, feathers and lettering. The pale green printed support appears generally well preserved. See less