Decorated Capital Letter G
ca. 1715
Medium
ephemera
Classification
ephemera
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1907-7-21-a
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Behold the *Decorated Capital Letter G a delicate gem crafted by Italian artist Giovanni Passari around1715. This piece, classified as ephemera in the Smithsonian American Art Museum collection, exemplifies the ornate typographic traditions of early 18th-century. Ephemera—typically transient printed materials like broadsides or invitations—were often adorned with elaborate initials to elevate everyday documents into works of visual splendor, blending artistry with functionality. Passari's creation likely served as a grand opening flourish in a manuscript, printed book, or festive announcement...