Height, Breadth and Slope of Writing, from Encyclopédie

Art Historical Context

Step into the Enlightenment era with *Height, Breadth and of Writing*, an exquisite engraving by Aubin from Denis Diderot's groundbreaking *Encyclopédie* (1751–1772). Created in 176, this plate exemplifies the encyclopedia's mission to democratize knowledge, offering precise diagrams on the technical proportions of lettering—essential for scribes, printers, and scholars perfecting the art of calligraphy during a time when clear written communication fueled intellectual progress. Measuring 40 × 26 cm on cream laid paper, work showcases the meticulous craft of 18th-century engraving. Aubin incised fine lines into a metal plate, capturing geometric ideals of letterforms with scientific accuracy, a technique vital for mass-producing illustrations before photography. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings department, it reflects the *Encyclopédie's* revolutionary blend of art and science, influencing education and design across Europe. This unassuming yet profound image reminds us how visual aids bridged theory and practice, shaping modern typography and graphic arts. A testament to collaborative genius, it invites you to appreciate the hidden geometry behind every written word.