Round Letters of the Alphabet, from Encyclopédie

Art Historical Context

Step into the Enlightenment era with *Round Letters of the Alphabet*, an exquisite engraving by Aubin from Denis Diderot's groundbreaking *Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers* (1751–1772). Published in 1760, this plate exemplifies the project's mission to democratize knowledge through meticulously illustrated volumes, covering everything from philosophy to printing techniques. Amid France's intellectual fervor, the *Encyclopédie* challenged censorship and promoted rational inquiry, with over 2,500 plates like this one capturing the precision of 18th-century craftsmanship. Crafted as an engraving on cream laid paper—measuring 40 × 26 cm—this work showcases Aubin's skill in translating intricate typography into durable prints. Engravings were ideal for the *Encyclopédie*'s mass production, allowing clear reproduction of fonts for printers and scholars. The "round letters" highlight elegant, curved alphabets, reflecting advances in type design that influenced modern printing and standardized visual communication. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings Department, this artifact reminds us how art and science intertwined to shape our world, turning letters into tools of progress. A testament to curiosity's power! (198 words)