Letter W 1630

Peter Aubry's "Letter W" is an engraving from the 17th century, a period defined by the intersection of the Renaissance's revival of classical art and the rise of Baroque sensibilities. Notice how the letterform itself is a site of teeming ornamentation, filled with swirling, organic designs, alongside a series of human faces, each with dramatically different features. In a time when printed materials were becoming more widespread, the design and presentation of letters held significant cultural value. Aubry, working within this context, infuses the alphabet with a kind of exuberant personality. The faces range from cherubic to grotesque, inviting viewers to consider the full spectrum of human expression and experience. The letter "W" becomes more than just a linguistic symbol, it's a canvas for exploring the complexities of identity and representation. Consider how such images shape our understanding of humanity, then and now.