NEW YORK SOCIETY LIBRARY, 1789

(BOOKPLATE-NEW YORK SOCIETY LIBRARY)  MAVERICK, Peter, engraver.  NEW YORK SOCIETY LIBRARY, 1789.                                               

New York: 1789. Engraved bookplate (6 1/2 x 4 inches).

Rare eighteenth century American engraved bookplate for the New York Society Library dated 1789.  The central allegorical motif represents Minerva presenting a book to an American Indian.  Peter Maverick, in addition to being one of the most popular engravers in eighteenth century New York City, was also a famed silversmith in the city.  He came to the city in 1774 from England.  This design for the New York Library Society was the more elaborate of two versions and is one of his best known designs.  Minerva is represented as having just lighted from the clouds, with an Indian waiting to receive the volume which she holds out to him.  He, in turn, offers his tomahawk in exchange.  Behind the two figures appear the well-filled shelves of the library, in the gable is engraved the motto Emollit Mores (She civilizes).  The entire scene is upheld by a ribbon and surrounded by festoons.  Written in ink in upper left corner is No. 800.  Signed by Maverick in lower right corner.  Very good.

 

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