Letter A 1630

Peter Aubry’s “Letter A,” crafted around the 17th century, is more than mere alphabet; it’s a vibrant expression of cultural memory etched in ink. The letter itself morphs into a grotesque mask, adorned with foliage and flanked by disembodied heads. The faces, reminiscent of ancient theatrical masks, evoke the raw emotions of the stage. These motifs, echoing those found in ancient Roman architecture, are symbols of protection but also of chaos, tapping into our collective unconscious. We see similar faces in unexpected places. Consider how the grotesque mask evolved from the protective apotropaic symbols of antiquity to the gargoyles of Gothic cathedrals, each iteration reflecting society's fears and desires. The image taps into the psyche, stirring primal emotions. It's a testament to the enduring power of symbols to transcend time and culture.