Engraving: Monograms of two letters
Classification
ephemera
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1925-2-791
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
In the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, this delicate engraving titled *Monograms of two letters showcases the work of Nicolas Langlois, a prominent French artist and printmaker (1640–1703). around 1765, it exemplifies the ephemera category—printed items designed for everyday or decorative use, often transient yet artistically refined. Langlois, active in Paris during the late Baroque era, was renowned for his intricate engravings, which blended technical precision with ornamental flair. The artwork features elegantly intertwined monograms, likely pairs of initials crafted for pe...