{"product_id":"bookplate-of-josiah-minot-fowler-sidney-l-smith","title":"Bookplate of Josiah Minot Fowler - Sidney L. Smith","description":"\u003cp\u003eA precise 1912 heraldic etching by Sidney L. Smith, featuring the coat of arms of Josiah Minot Fowler.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis fine etching by Sidney L. Smith, dated 1912, represents the high standard of American bookplate design during the early twentieth century. Smith, a skilled engraver and etcher, was known for his precision in rendering complex heraldic motifs. The composition features the coat of arms of Josiah Minot Fowler, rendered with meticulous attention to the conventions of blazonry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe central shield is flanked by elaborate mantling, which curls around the crest with a sense of controlled movement. The inclusion of the motto 'Ad Astra Per Aspera' (To the stars through difficulties) provides a classical anchor to the design. Below the shield, the name of the owner is presented on a decorative scroll, a common feature in ex-libris plates of the period. The use of line work to create depth and texture within the heraldic elements demonstrates the technical proficiency required for intaglio printing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBookplates of this era were often commissioned by bibliophiles to mark their personal collections, serving as both a functional identifier and a decorative statement. Smith's work reflects the broader interest in traditional craftsmanship that defined the Arts and Crafts movement in the United States. The balance between the dense, ornamental details of the crest and the clear, legible lettering of the name creates a harmonious visual field. This print captures the intersection of personal identity and historical tradition, offering a glimpse into the private world of early twentieth-century book collecting. The clean lines and disciplined shading ensure that the heraldic symbols remain distinct, even at a small scale, which is a hallmark of Smith's professional output.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ruth-and-boaz-walter-crane\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eRuth and Boaz - Walter Crane — Walter Crane\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-day-before-christmas-carl-larsson\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Day Before Christmas - Carl Larsson — Carl Larsson\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sidney L. Smith","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58604809486671,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58604828655951,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58604828688719,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58604828721487,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58604828754255,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58604828787023,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58604828819791,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58604828852559,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58604828885327,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58604828918095,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58604828950863,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58604828983631,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Bookplate-of-Josiah-Minot-Fowler_Poster_CompositorV1_1788063055141.jpg?v=1788109906","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/products\/bookplate-of-josiah-minot-fowler-sidney-l-smith","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}