Decorated Capital Letter V
Classification
ephemera
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1907-7-26-c
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Behold the *Decorated Capital Letter V*, a delicate gem crafted around 1715 by Jakob Frey, a Swiss artist active in Italy (1681–1752). This ornate initial exemplifies the decorative arts of the early 18th century, when elaborate lettering adorned manuscripts, books, and printed materials across Europe. Frey's work reflects the cross-cultural exchanges between Swiss precision and Italian flair, bridging Northern and Southern European traditions during the late Baroque era. Classified as ephemera in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, this piece highlights everyday artistic beauty...