Letter B

Art Historical Context

Peter Aubry's *Letter B*, created in 1630, is a exquisite example of 17th-century engraving, a technique that allowed artists to incise intricate designs into metal plates for printing on paper. Measuring 23.3 × 16.9 cm, this print from the Art Institute of Chicago's and Drawings Department showcases the precision and finesse of the medium, where fine lines and textures are transferred with remarkable clarity, making complex ornamentation accessible beyond original drawings. Engraving flourished in Europe during the Baroque era, a time of elaborate decoration influenced by the Catholic Church and royal courts. Aubry's *Letter B* likely belongs to a series of ornamental initials, evoking the grandeur of illuminated manuscripts while adapting to print culture's rise. These alphabetic designs were prized for book illustrations, architecture, and decorative arts, blending calligraphy with fantastical flourishes—scrolls, foliage, or mythical motifs—that captured the period's dramatic flair. Today, this modest yet masterful work highlights engraving's role in democratizing art: what began as laborious craftsmanship enabled widespread appreciation of virtuoso linework. Visitors to the Art Institute can marvel at how Aubry transformed a simple letter into a portal of historical elegance.