Foliate Letter J [reverse]
possibly 18th or 19th century
![Foliate Letter J [reverse] by E. U.](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/nga/thumb/foliate-letter-j-reverse-nga-103311.webp)
Medium
silver
Dimensions
overall (oval, width): 3.06 cm (1 3/16 in.) overall (height without suspension loop): 3.7 cm (1 7/16 in.) overall (height with suspension loop): 4.6 cm (1 13/16 in.) gross weight: 22.68 gr (0.05 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin
Accession Number
1997.114.39.b
Art Historical Context
Nestled among the treasures of the National Gallery of, *Foliate Letter Jreverse]* is a delicate silver miniature crafted by the enigmatic artist E. U., likely from the 18th 19th century. oval sculpture, measuring just 3.06 cm wide and up to 4.6 cm tall with its suspension loop, weighs a mere 22.68 grams. Its classification as sculpture highlights the exquisite craftsmanship in rendering a foliate—leafy and organic—initial "J" on the reverse side, oriented at the 12:00 axis, evoking the precision of engraved seals or cameos. Silver as a medium in this era often signified personal luxury, used...