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English
FROM THE LIBRARY OF
G.J. ARVANITIDI
original: "EX LIBRIS". This bookplate identifies the volume as formerly belonging to Georges J. Arvanitidi, a prominent 20th century collector of Byzantine and post-Byzantine materials.
A gold-stamped heraldic monogram or crest features two symmetrical, ornate scrollwork elements flanking a central vertical staff topped with a triangular point.
THE BYZANTINE
original: "BYZANTINI". This title often accompanied Arvanitidi's name on his personal bookplates, reflecting his scholarly interests.
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A white rectangular bookplate features a central circular emblem. Within the circle is an oval vignette of a pelican in her piety, a traditional symbol where a mother pelican pecks its own breast to feed its young with its blood. Here, the bird rests upon a cubic altar or pedestal decorated with four rosettes. Golden rays of light emanate from a dark sun or celestial sphere at the top of the oval. Surrounding the oval is the text Hermetic Philosophy, original: "PHILOSOPHIA HERMETICA", printed in a circular arrangement of gold capital letters. The pelican is a frequent symbol in alchemy and Hermeticism, representing self-sacrifice and the process of spiritual purification.
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