The “S” of Antonio Basoli’s “Alfabeto Pittorico,” built as a crypt (1839 engraving) (all images via Sploid) In the 19th century, an Italian artist created an architectural alphabet in which letters ...

Engraved illustrations with captions, for the letters A through Z (except j and w). Each letter is shaped by a grouping of playful putti and is accompanied by a brief caption referring to a famous ...