: Does anyone know what style this monogram is based on? Was flipping through Louise Fili's book and saw this monogram. The text says it was designed based on 18th century designs, but I'm having

@Margaret771

This monogram resembles a cameo, which were prevalent in the 18th century, throughout Europe and England. I did a quick search on Google for 18th century cameo with monogram, and this was one of the images that popped up:



Not exactly the same (and definitely not a logo for a dentist office--it is a mourning ring, and the white stuff behind the crown and lettering is human hair), but somewhat similar stylistically.

Additionally, I found this article on the Cresk Design website, about the history of monograms. The author, Mr. or Ms. Cresk Design (?), states "Towards the end of the 18th century, new styles [of type] were introduced by the English printer John Baskerville, featuring a greater contrast of line widths, thinner serifs and a lighter feel....Within a few years, another style developed, referred to as Modern. It was distinguished by great contrast between thick and thin strokes, straight, very thin serifs, and narrower, more vertical letters." This description of the "new" style of typeface seems to match what you are showing in that particular monogram.

So, it may be that the book is referring to both the cameo setting and the style of the typeface.

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