Hoofdletters E, F, G, en H 1455 - 1503

Israhel van Meckenem created these engravings of the capital letters E, F, G, and H in the late 15th century, a period marked by the rise of printmaking and a growing interest in humanist ideals. Meckenem, as a master engraver, straddled the line between artist and artisan in a society still structured by guilds and religious authority. These letters, adorned with intricate floral patterns, reflect both the period’s aesthetic sensibilities and its social stratification. Literacy, at the time, was largely confined to the clergy and the aristocracy; hence, alphabets were not only tools for communication but also symbols of power and privilege. The ornate designs resist traditional representations of a letter, instead offering an alternative narrative where letters become sites for artistic expression and social distinction. Consider how these letters might have been used – perhaps to mark important passages in illuminated manuscripts, or to denote the initials of wealthy patrons. Through his craft, Meckenem invites us to consider the relationship between art, literacy, and social class in the late medieval period, while offering a glimpse into the visual culture that shaped the identities and aspirations of its elite members.