Bastard Letters of the Alphabet, from Encyclopédie

Art Historical Context

Step into the Enlightenment era with *Bastard Letters of the*, a meticulous engraving by Aubin from Denis Diderot's groundbreaking *Encyclopédie*, around 1760. This plate, housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings department, exemplifies the18th-century drive to catalog and share practical knowledge. The *Encyclopédie*—a monumental 28-volume work—aimed to democratize learning, blending philosophy, science, and the mechanical arts through over 2,500 detailed illustrations like this one. Measuring 40 × 26 cm on cream laid paper, the engraving showcases "bastard letters" (lettres bâtardes), a cursive Gothic script popular in medieval manuscripts and early printing. Aubin's precise technique captures the fluid, hybrid forms blending formal Gothic with italic elegance, highlighting typography's evolution. Engravings like this were revolutionary, allowing mass reproduction of intricate designs via copper plates etched with burins for sharp, durable lines. This artwork underscores the cultural shift toward rational inquiry and craftsmanship, influencing modern graphic design and printing. It's a charming window into how letters themselves became subjects of scientific curiosity, inviting visitors to appreciate the artistry in everyday alphabets.