Ex libris van MM - Simon Moulijn

A minimalist lithographic bookplate by Dutch artist Simon Moulijn, featuring a central fountain framed by trees.

This lithograph by Simon Moulijn functions as a bookplate, or ex libris, designed for a private collection. Moulijn, a Dutch artist associated with the Symbolist movement, often employed a restrained visual language to convey mood and atmosphere. The composition is strictly symmetrical, featuring a central fountain flanked by two tall, dark trees that frame the scene like curtains. The water is depicted with simple, vertical lines, suggesting a quiet, static moment rather than active movement. Above the fountain, a faint circle indicates the sun or moon, adding a sense of stillness to the work.

The design is enclosed within a rectangular border, with the text 'EX-LIBRIS' positioned at the top and the initials 'H & SM-HM' at the base. The typography is integrated into the overall graphic structure, reflecting the period's interest in the unity of text and image. Moulijn's approach here is minimal, relying on the contrast between the dark, textured forms of the trees and the pale, open space of the background. This print demonstrates the artist's ability to create a sense of place and contemplation through limited means. The work avoids unnecessary detail, focusing instead on the balance of light and shadow. It is a clear example of early twentieth-century Dutch graphic arts, where the bookplate was treated as a serious artistic medium for personal expression. The print is executed in a monochromatic palette, which emphasises the clean lines and the deliberate placement of each element within the frame. This piece provides insight into the aesthetic preferences of the era, where clarity and symbolic simplicity were highly valued in the creation of personal ephemera.