Letter H 1630

Peter Aubry's "Letter H" is a drawing whose exact date is unknown, but likely created in the 17th Century. The letter is rendered as a complex, almost baroque structure, replete with swirling, organic forms that suggest both architectural elements and natural growth. Note how the artist uses line and shadow to create a sense of depth and volume. This gives the letter a three-dimensional quality, as if it is emerging from the page. Scattered across the letter's framework are grotesque masks and faces, each with distinct expressions. These elements add a layer of theatricality. The masks destabilize the letter's function as a mere symbol, transforming it into a dynamic and expressive form. This approach reflects the period's interest in ornamentation and the grotesque, challenging conventional notions of beauty and order. The drawing pushes the boundaries of typographical design by infusing it with artistic expression. It invites us to consider how meaning is constructed through form and decoration.