An armorial bookplate
belonged to Franz Töpsl, the provost of Polling Monastery, and
features Latin inscriptions and heraldic imagery that reflect his
status and role. The text 'Franciscus Praepositus Can. Regg. in
Polling Anno 1744' identifies him as the provost of the Canons
Regular in Polling in 1744, while 'Quoniam suscepisti me' ('For you
have taken me up') and 'Exaltabo te' ('I will exalt you') are from
Psalm 29, reinforcing a theme of divine support and praise. The
phrase 'Inventa levetur,' meaning 'Let what has been discovered be
lifted up,' suggests enlightenment or the pursuit of knowledge. The
imagery includes a winged cherubic figure wearing a mitre,
symbolising spiritual authority, and two oval shields—one depicting
a stag before a crucifix, symbolising the conversion to
Christianity, and the other, divided in two, featuring a Glory cross
in the top section, symbolising the glory of God, and an anchor,
representing hope and stability, flanked by stars, denoting divine
guidance and heavenly aspiration. At the bottom is Töpsl's heraldic
shield. The elaborate Rococo-style scrollwork framing the design
reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of the time, while the name 'Iunckwerth
sc. Mon.' at the bottom identifies the engraver as Franz Xaver
Jungwierth.
