Letter E c. 1645 - 1650

Jeremias Falck created this ornamental “Letter E” engraving in the 17th century. Consider how this stylized letter embodies the aesthetic values of the Baroque period. Made in Poland, this image reflects the exuberance and drama characteristic of Baroque art, a style promoted by the Catholic Church to inspire religious fervor. Its elaborate, swirling forms mirror the period's emphasis on ornamentation and grandeur, values which were disseminated through institutions such as the Church. Falck's “Letter E” might well have been intended as a template for devotional books and prints. To fully appreciate this work, one must consider the cultural forces that shaped its creation, such as the religious and political contexts of 17th-century Poland and the economic structures that supported artistic production. By exploring these, we gain a deeper understanding of art's role in reflecting and shaping society.