Decorated Capital Letter F
Classification
ephemera
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1907-7-20-b
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Behold the *Decorated Letter F*, a delicate gem crafted around 1715 by Jakob Frey a Swiss artist active in Italy (1681–1752). This ornate initial exemplifies the enduring tradition of illuminated lettering, where a single letter becomes a canvas for artistic flourish. H in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection classified as ephemeraartworks meant for temporary use, like book illustrations or documents—Frey's piece captures the transitional Baroque style of early 18th-century Europe, blending Swiss precision with Italian exuberance. Though the medium remains unidentified amid ongoin...