Decorated Roman alphabet 1755

Johann David Nessenthaler created this decorated Roman alphabet using engraving, a process that involves cutting lines into a metal plate to hold ink. Notice how each letter is not just a form, but a stage for little dramas. See the letter ‘G’, and how it is ornamented with animals and bells, contrasting natural and man-made elements, while ‘H’ features figures engaged in some form of chase around a house. The ornate shapes give way to small narratives. The tails and flourishes are filled with people, animals, and objects. This interplay between the structural element of the alphabet and the narrative scenes demonstrates a fascination with signs and symbols. It invites us to decode not only the letters but the cultural codes embedded within. Consider how this piece challenges the conventional function of letters. It transforms them into something more complex, reflecting a period where art and language were deeply intertwined with cultural and social meanings.