A monogram is usually created by combining or overlapping two or more letters. Today monograms are commonly used for weddings taking the first initial of the bride and groom for invitations, major business companies use their initials to create advertising symbols or logos. Although monograms are consistently used within our modern media today the history of monograms has been explored and researched finding how it has come to be incorporated on common household items, personal clothing or special celebrations.
History of the monogram
Centuries ago, the Greeks and Romans used monograms on clay coins as the barter system for purchasing goods and services which eventually led to a monetary system of trade. During the Middle Ages, artisans would often use their monograms to sign their work.
An example of this are the paintings of the famous Dutch artist Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn which can be identified to a particular period in his career by the monogram he used. At the start of his career, he signed his pieces with a simple single letter R and in the following years as his career progressed he used the combined letters RH and then RHL.
In the 6th century, the monogram found its place on coins in Ancient Rome as a way for the rulers of the area to authenticate the coins. Ahead to the 8th century, when Charlemagne is credited to a widespread usage of the monogram on goods as a way to represent his power and authority over an area that he conquered. From there on out, the monogram was often used by royalty or military to show their power and position of stature by marking things with their initials.
Examples of Royal Monograms:
The throne of Napoleon with his royal monogram
A Fabergé cigarette box that once belonged to Tsar Nicholas II with his royal monogram
Tsar Alexander III and Maria Feodorovna royal monogram on the Hermitage gate in Saint Petersburg, Russia
In the 18th century monograms were used to mark linens with the owner’s initials so as to properly retrieve the items from a laundering service in the larger cities or from a communal wash in the smaller villages. In the Victorian and Edwardian eras, the more opulent and expensive monograms reflected a higher status, wealth and prosperity of the person. It seemed that every household item from tablecloths and tableware to bed linens and towels to all variety of clothing could be monogrammed.
Taking on the same ideologies, in our modern times fashion brands seem to take on monograms adapted to suit their brand and the name. Most use it for their main logos and or advertising.
Although monograms are made differently from the past it still takes on the same concept of showcasing the initials of ones name. From car decals, stemware, pocket knives, flip-flops, bed sheets, phone cases, rain boots, flasks, keychains, bathrobes etc. are all commonly engraved objects. While some might prefer the more traditional monogram on powder room towels, and others tend to prefer an engraved shot glass set, the monogram is a customisable ever adapting element of design.
Until Next Time, Live and Laugh,
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