[Robert Herrmann, Czechoslovak bookplate artist and architect.] Seventeen original bookplates for various individuals, ranging in style from modernist to traditional, in folder with autograph label by the artist, and photograph of sculpture.

Accomplished and attractive bookplates, in an impressive range of styles from modernist to traditional (several with mystical or masonic overtones), produced using various printing processes. The bookplates range in size from 6.5 x 7 cm (Herrmann’s own) to 11.5 x 17.5 cm. Each is dated with Herrmann’s tiny monogram design, adapted to suit its style of composition. The eighteen items are in very good condition, each laid down on a 16 x 25 cm piece of textured grey card. In purpose-made worn brown card binding, with triangular label on cover, with manuscript lettering arranged in modernist design: ‘17 / EX / LIBRIS / VON / ROBERT HERRMANN’. Comparing the lettering of the label with Herrmann’s own bookplate within the collection (the simplest, depicting a vertical pencil within a circle), indicates that the label was designed and executed by Herrmann himself. The seventeen bookplates from between 1922 and 1925, as follows: 6 from 1922 (Hugo und Franzi Kornfeld; Dr Leo Kornfeld, Viktor Polatschek, Albert Porges, Olga Stegel, Mizi Steiner); 1 from 1923 (Friedrich H. Neumann); 6 from 1924 (Edith Hahn, Robert Herrmann, Willy Knepler, Franz Nettel, Franzi Pick, Dr Josef Thimann); 4 from 1925 (Anton Ditti, Dr Hussein Erfan, Margrit Kornfeld, Marieluise Kornfeld). A number of the owners were Jewish (see for example Nettel, whose design features the star of David), and some appear to have died in the Holocaust. The 7.5 x 10 cm black and white collotype photographic print appears to show a bas relief modernist design within a jagged border, depicting a star shining over a cityscape into which two meteorites are falling. See Images.