Engraved wooden bookmark with Harpy image from the 17th century allegorical illustrations by Swiss engraver and publisher Matthäus Merian the Elder.

In the early era of printing, engravings were the primary way of adding illustrations to publications. Matthäus Merian worked in copperplate engraving, and ran a publishing house in Frankfurt, Germany.  The allegorical prints these bookmarks are taken from are now housed at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

1.5mm basswood.  2"X6"

Made in small batches by Maine artist Michelle Fontaine.