What is a monogram?

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What is a monogram?

A monogram is a stylistic device composed of letters and small ornaments, typically in a compact form such as a small square or rectangle, although other forms are not unknown. Many people are familiar with the concept of monograms, as fine linen services offer monogrammed sheets, towels, and other household items. Monograms have also been used historically to sign documents and works of art and are sometimes used as figures to symbolize various people or concepts.

The concept of a monogram is very old. Originally, a monogram was a one-letter code, and eventually, multi-letter monograms became common; Monograms of two or three letters as symbols of people's names are probably the most common type. To be considered a monogram, a collection of letters must be clearly intertwined.

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Many artists develop their own monograms or artist marks to identify their work. These various monograms have proven useful to art historians, who can use them to help determine whether or not a work of art is genuine. A monogram can also be used to identify a personal property or communications.

You can design your own monogram with relative ease. Some computer programs allow you to manipulate fonts and text to create distinctive patterns, and you can also draw one on paper. If you design a monogram that you like, you can use it to mark stationery, stamp letters, and identify your bedding, just as people have been doing for thousands of years.

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