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» What is a monogram? The use of monograms. The creation of monograms: a personal sign and modern decoration New explanatory and derivational dictionary of the Russian language, T. F. Efremova

What is a monogram? The use of monograms. The creation of monograms: a personal sign and modern decoration New explanatory and derivational dictionary of the Russian language, T. F. Efremova

What comes to our mind first of all when we hear the word monogram. I personally have always imagined various curls and pretzels, the word "monograms". But these are not simple patterns and vignettes.

What does venzel mean

We look in the explanatory dictionary for clarification.

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Monogram (from Polish. Wezel- knot) - the initial letters of the name and surname (sometimes patronymic), usually artistically intertwined and forming a beautiful pattern.

It turns out that they are quite similar to the monogram. You could even say that they are almost the same thing.

What is a monogram

This word has Greek roots and means (mono - one, gramma - letter) a sign formed by connecting letters together. Letters can intertwine or just stand side by side. More often these letters are the initial meanings of names or surnames.

We see minor differences. As a rule, the difference lies in a different number of patterns and decorations. Those. monogram is a more complex sign.

Monograms, respectively, have a more strict form and are reproduced somewhat easier.

A monogram can be simple or complex. Complex ones belong to several owners, while simple ones use letters belonging to only one. They can be decorated with a crown or wreath.

So what are the main differences

Affiliation

A monogram can denote several owners, while a monogram can only denote one.

Artistic saturation

The monogram bears much more patterns, heraldic symbols and other additional information. And monograms are just intertwined initials.

Playback

The monogram can be displayed manually, while the monogram will be reproduced much more difficult.

Story

Monograms were seen in 350 BC. BC. and used on coins. In fact, they began to be used with the advent of writing and served as something like a signature. In the Russian Empire, many high-ranking persons had their own monogram. It was a mark of distinction that not many could have.

A monogram is a complex and beautiful drawing, which consists of letters intertwined in a fancy dance. Usually, the first letters of the surname and first name are used to create a monogram, and in Russia they are often accompanied by a third initial - the initial letter of the patronymic.

A masterfully executed monogram is a real work of art: unique, eye-catching and uniquely reflecting the individuality of its owner.

Monogram as a personal symbol

The oldest monograms found by archaeologists are more than two and a half thousand years old. In ancient Greece, they were used in minting coins, decorating the surface of the metal with intricately woven letters from the name of a city or region.

A little later, in the 1st century AD, the rulers of Rome decorated medals and standards with monograms. A few centuries later, Roman emperors began to use the monogram as their own signature and personal symbol. At that time, Rome was the cultural center of the world - it is not surprising that other European rulers soon joined this tradition.

Already in the 7th-8th centuries, the Pope, the monarchs of France and England used the monogram:


By the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the culture of monograms reached its peak. They were used by royal houses and aristocrats, artists and poets, church hierarchs and famous industrialists. During this period, the monogram finally established itself as a personal symbol, which testifies to the fame and high position of its owner, as well as the strength of his home and family.

The monogram was adorned with coins and jewelry, personal belongings and clothes, it showed off over the gates of estates and in stucco over the doors of mansions. Things marked with personal symbols were inherited and quickly became family heirlooms, carefully kept in the family.

This is interesting: the monogram of Christ

Despite the fact that Jesus himself did not use a monogram, he still has one. Moreover, several variants of “christograms” have appeared throughout history, but the version of Constantine the Great was and remains the most famous.

Having come to power in the year 306, this Roman emperor ordered that the legendary Roman eagle be removed from all standards and replaced with a monogram of the first two letters of the name "Christ" in Greek writing.

Until the 5th century, this monogram was the most common symbol of Christianity, and only after the fall of the Roman Empire did it give way to the cross. However, up to the present moment, the Christogram remains one of the main signs in the symbolism of Christianity, along with the cross and the fish.

Monogram and monogram

These are very close concepts that are often confused with each other. The fact is that a monogram is also a personal sign, and it is also based on intertwined initials. There is only one key difference: the monogram is a more complex symbol, which is framed and supplemented with heraldic and decorative elements.

By the way, this is one of the most famous monograms in history: the personal mark of Catherine the Great. Her elegant "E" with two vertical lines was known all over the world: coins and medals were decorated with this symbol, diplomatic and personal mail was sealed, it is found in the interiors of the palaces and houses of the Empress.

Creating monograms in the modern world

Today, monograms retain their popularity and significance: they are still used to emphasize the status of the owner or company. Many world-famous brands use a monogram or monogram as their symbol.

Monograms are very popular in jewelry: they are decorated with personalized jewelry and insignia, honorary medals and orders. The works of the best modern masters are in no way inferior to the works of art of the legendary jewelers of the past.

At the same time, in order to make your personal mark, it is absolutely not necessary to be a famous couturier or heir to a noble family, it is enough just to have the desire to fix your name in the impeccable beauty of precious metals.

The monogram is ideal for use as the title element of jewelry, medals and commemorative signs. It could be:

– Beautiful piece of jewelry, such as a ring, cufflinks, earrings, or business card holder. Such products emphasize the status of the owner and can become a family jewel that children and grandchildren will be proud of;

– A medal with corporate symbols, which will mark the merits of a leader or a particularly valuable employee of the company;

- An exquisite and absolutely unique gift to your dear person - a thing that will remind you of you for decades.

Do you have an idea for a monogrammed decoration? Or so far we are talking only about desire, but there are no specific thoughts on the design of symbols? In any case, you can turn to the masters of the Kvashnin jewelry house for help.

We will take into account all your wishes, develop a unique sketch of jewelry, select suitable metals and stones, and we can create a family coat of arms. As a result, you will receive an exclusive item that will become the pride of any family or company.

You can view monogrammed products made in our jewelry house at. We also advise you to update our blog and be the first to read interesting articles about the world of jewelry.

The strict definition of the word monogram (-tie of two or more letters) hardly reflects the full meaning of this symbol rich in history.

A bit of history

The word familiar today, in translation meaning one letter, came from Greece. Back in 350 BC. the Greeks composed monograms from the first letters of their names, the names of revered persons and even the names of cities. Gradually, monograms spread throughout the world. They were used both in official documents and to decorate personal items: textiles, jewelry, dishes ... If at the beginning of its history the monogram was a sign only of the upper classes, then gradually it began to be used in other strata of society. Already in the XVI century. monograms were used in trade and in factories. The fashion for monograms came to Russia thanks to Peter I, a connoisseur of everything European. His monogram of two Ps (Peter Primus) gave rise to the tradition of an individual badge for each member of the Romanov dynasty.


Kinds

Over the course of its history, the monogram has taken on various forms. From the ascetic graphic lettering to the complex interweaving of many additional elements. Variability and diversity made it possible to structure monograms into several types.

A monogram is a monogram richly decorated with additional semantic symbols. Here you can find not only letters, but animals, plants and complex patterns.

Family monogram. Appearing as a letter of a name, the monogram belonged to a specific person, and not to the whole family. However, wealthy European surnames began to use a uniform monogram, taking advantage of the recognizability of the family mark for the benefit of younger generations. The advantages of a successful solution made it possible to turn the original idea into a good tradition. Nowadays, new family monograms also take place, for example, as a sign of newlyweds.

Christogram (chrism, chrismon) is a monogram using the letters of the name of Christ. Such a monogram is still widely used today, since it is given significant religious significance.


Rules

Today, when creating a monogram, they do not think about how to do it correctly, however, some rules for creating a personal monogram still exist. The largest letter is assigned to the surname and is located in the center. Strict block letters are traditionally used by men, while women prefer uppercase, more elegant styles.

Examples

The personal monogram of many famous politicians, artists and other figures in history is recognizable even today. The monogram of Catherine the Great adorns the Nevsky Gates of the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the monogram of Paul I is still on the walls of the Mikhailovsky Castle, the combined monogram of Emperor Alexander III and Empress Maria Feodorovna is woven into the pattern of the Hermitage Gates on Palace Square. By the way, even in the Renaissance, because of the copyright for the monogram, one had to sue. The famous graphic artist Albrecht Dürer drew up his monogram and used it as a signature in engravings. The popularity of the artist played a cruel joke on him - forgeries of works began, and of course monograms. Durer went to court and defended his copyright for the monogram, which reduced the number of fakes. However, today Dürer's monogram received an unusual continuation of life and became the basis for the logo of the New York Art Directors Club (ADC).



Everything new is not forgotten old

The rich tradition of monogramming successfully coexists today with corporate culture. The most famous fashion houses use the monograms of their creators. Chanel, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton... The active use of monograms in decorating clothes was at the peak of popularity in the 90s, when the cherished letters were worn with pride even on dubious products. For about a decade, the use of bright monograms in clothing was forgotten, only to reappear in fashion life today, along with a surge of interest in the aesthetics of the dashing 90s. For example, the Louis Vuitton-Supreme collaboration, motley with a monogram pattern, has become the object of insanity. In many boutiques, you can order almost imperceptible, but emphasizing the uniqueness of the product, embroidery of the buyer's initials to match the clothes.


Monograms are not tied to a single moment in history, but rather live their own lives. They can be strict upper class (in the form of a modest logo), and eccentric friends of style (through a flashy appearance).

Modern designers

Modern monograms of Joe White from London

Joe White from London

Mexican designer Yock monogrammed UEFA Champions League finalists in 2015


#storydesign #monogram

Forensic Encyclopedia

Monogram

a combination of the initial letters of the name of the surname or the initials and surname of the person. In criminalistics - the object of handwriting research.

Ozhegov's dictionary

MONOGRA BUT MMA, s, and. An elm of two or more letters.

| adj. monogrammed, oh, oh.

Dictionary Ushakov

Monogram

monogram mma, monograms, female(from Greek monos - one and gramma - letter). Ligature, ligature of two or more letters.

Dictionary of Efremova

Monogram

  1. and.
    1. Plexus in the form of a monogram of two or more letters (usually the initial letters of the name and surname).
    2. Conventional sign (image of a flower, animal, etc.) or initials that replace the signature on the works of artists.

encyclopedic Dictionary

Monogram

(from mono... and... gram),

  1. the initial letters of the name and surname woven in the form of a monogram.
  2. Conventional sign (image of a flower, animal, etc.), replacing the signature on the works of artists.

Design. Glossary of terms

Monogram

MONOGRAM (Greek"simple line")- at first it meant an image drawn in one line, later - a sign composed of two or more related letters, usually initials; these days, this is the name given to letters or images that are placed on household items to indicate their owner. "The sleeve of his suit caught on a tray that fell to the floor. On the bottom were the letters - E.K. This elegant monogram was designed by one of the famous Swedish designers. The same letters - E.K. - were repeated countless times in the design of the floor , on the walls in the waiting room, on the doors of the office. E.K. flaunted on the sign of the restaurant ... "

Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron

Monogram

(from the Greek words: μόνος \u003d one and γραμμα \u003d letter) - a sign made up of the initial letters of the first name and surname connected to each other, placed side by side or intertwined with one another, or from the abbreviation of the whole name. Most often we meet similar signs on works of art. Many artists, mostly painters and engravers, exhibited and exhibit them on their works instead of a signature. Sometimes, for such a designation of the belonging of the work to him, the artist marks it somewhere not in a particularly visible place, some, always with the same figure, for example. the image of a winged snake (L. Cranach), a carnation flower (B. Garofalo), glasses (P. Bril), an ichneumon insect (Chima de Conegliano), an owl, etc. There are several works devoted to indicating the most important M. artists ; the main ones among them are F. Bruilot: "Dictionnare des monogrammes" (1817-18, 2 volumes), his own: "Table g éné rale des monogrammes" (1820) and G.-K. Nagler: "Die Monogrammisten" (1858-76, 5 vols.). It should, however, be noted that M. is called, in addition, the outline of any name in general in an abbreviated form. This, by the way, includes monograms and stamps, which in the Middle Ages, starting from the 7th century, popes, kings and important persons fastened their letters and which they ordered to be cut on their seals, as well as abbreviated inscriptions that have been placed on icons and some objects from time immemorial. church utensils. About the most important of the M. of this last kind - the M. of the name of Christ - see "M. of Jesus Christ."

Many in their lives at least once met with beautifully intertwined letters, sometimes decorated with ornaments - a monogram. Has anyone wondered what a monogram is and what is the history of this symbol of high-ranking persons and monarchs? But he has a very interesting story. An article about the monogram will introduce the reader to interesting facts related to it, as well as where it is currently used.

Drawing from time immemorial

A beautiful pattern of two or more letters, elegantly intertwined with each other, first appeared, according to historians and archaeologists, on the coins of Ancient Greece.

One of the most famous monograms in the world is considered to be Christ - the monogram of Jesus Christ. It is placed on the emblem of the military standard of the first Roman emperor Constantine the Great.

On the coins of ancient cities found during excavations, a monogram is clearly visible, consisting of the first two letters of their names. For example, on the coins of the city of Achaia.

Monograms can be found not only on coins, but also on medals.

Monogram as signature

Roman emperors, and soon the monarchs of the European countries of France and England, in the 7th-8th centuries began to use the monogram instead of their signature on letters and documents. During the Renaissance, the monogram began to be perceived as a personal symbol of its owner, his autograph. Soon she migrated to household items: clothes, cigarette cases, weapons. Of course, only wealthy people could afford such a luxury. Noble owners of monograms and monograms used to pass them by inheritance.

Gradually, such symbols began to be used by artists, sculptors, engravers, who sought to indicate the authorship of their works. Johann Sebastian Bach, for example, had three monograms, two of which were in the form of notes, and one was in the form of a signature. He also owned a beautiful baroque monogram.

What a monogram is is well said in the Great Encyclopedia edited by S. N. Yuzhakov. This is how it is written in Old Church Slavonic:

Monogram (Greek), in fact, one letter, and also a figure consisting of several letters intertwined with each other, representing some name or well-known formula. Takiya M. were used for signatures and seals. M. are also found on ancient coins and medals. Subsequently, they were used by artists, engravers and industrialists, exposing M. on their works.

Etymology of the word "monogram"

What is a "monogram", what is the etymology of the word itself? The essence of such an emblem is expressed in its name, which has Greek roots: mono - one, gramma - letter. Thus, initially it was a beautifully designed one letter denoting the family surname or name of the owner. As time went on, more letters were added to the writing and design of the monogram, which stood side by side or intertwined. They talked about family affiliation, they also included the first letters of the names and surnames of the wife or husband, or all the initials of its owner were placed on the symbol. Currently, such an emblem is made up not only of letters. The monogram includes a variety of signs, symbols and ornaments.

Russian monograms

The tradition of using monograms also came to Russia. It is believed that Tsar Peter I was the first of the Russian nobility to use them. In 1722, he ordered to place a monogram on Russian rubles with the letter of the Russian alphabet "P" and the number "1". Thus, he pointed to himself as its owner. Initially, when the emperor first arrived from abroad, he had a monogram with the Latin letter "P". Then she changed to Russian. Also, Peter I introduced the obligatory use of monograms on epaulettes and epaulettes of high-ranking officials. The embroidery was done with golden threads.

Famous in Russian history was the monogram of Catherine II. She used her initials on documents, coins, and jewelry she owned. It was an original and elegantly drawn letter "E" with two vertical strokes.

Both of these emblems are unique identifications of an individual. What is the difference between a monogram and a monogram? At first glance, it seems that this is the same thing, because both there and there are intricately intertwined letters. The simplest explanation for the differences in definitions is this: a monogram is a more complex form of a monogram.

The monogram is composed of geometric ornaments, heraldic motifs, crowns and military attributes. All this is combined in one composition. Monograms can be simple, belonging to one owner, and complex, which can be used by several owners.

Monogramming Rules

When composing a monogram, you need to follow certain rules so that it does not turn into a monogram. That is, the intricacy of the composition should not be overly saturated with all sorts of interweaving and not overloaded with additional motives. The monogram alphabet can be represented in both Cyrillic and Latin. Original and discreet monograms are often embroidered on cuffs and collars. They are usually done in blue and black colors.

So, what are the rules to follow when creating a monogram? First of all, it is necessary to decide to whom it will be intended: a man or a woman, a married couple or a child. After that, you can begin to create and at the same time consider the following:

  • The monogram is read from left to right and from top to bottom.
  • For men, it is customary to use block letters.
  • Women's monograms, as well as those created for couples, are usually made in capital letters. Calligraphic fonts are also used in these cases.
  • If the female monogram will be made of three letters: first name, patronymic and last name - they are arranged in the following order: first name is small, the second letter is large - last name, the third small letter is patronymic.
  • If the monogram is made up of two letters denoting the name and surname, then in this case the letters should be the same size.
  • The emblem intended for a child must consist of one letter.

family monograms

The skill and originality of drawing up family monograms is a real test for the designer. It is the combinations of letters and their interaction that are difficult. Usually the monogram of the spouses consists of three letters: the first small one is the wife's name, the middle one is the common surname, the third small one is the husband's name.

If the family has a double surname, two large letters of the first and second surnames should be located in the middle of the monogram. For example, Saltykov-Shchedrin is S and Shch.

Currently, family monograms from letters are used, as a rule, when designing invitations and business cards. It is very fashionable now. If this is a young family, then the celebration of marriage is also accompanied by the design of the wedding hall, decorating the car and cakes using the emblem. At family celebrations, you can often find monogram embroidery on napkins. Usually, one letter appears on the emblem of a young family - the first letter of a common surname.

Monograms today

The popularity of the monogram is currently making a comeback. Previously, only high-ranking nobles and people of art could use such symbols. The revolution made its own amendments, eradicating everything that did not correspond to its ideology. Today, any citizen or company can use the monogram. Well-known brands place monograms on their products. By this they emphasize the status of the company and the leader. And it is not at all necessary to place the first letters of the owner's surname on the monogram. It can be the name of the company or its motto.

It is appropriate to use monograms on jewelry, exquisite gifts. It may happen that this gift or piece of jewelry will be kept in the family as a family heirloom. Thus, the monogram will be passed down from generation to generation.

Monograms as symbols are introduced into use by hotels and restaurants. On bed linen, towels, bathrobes, tablecloths and napkins of elite establishments, embroideries in the form of elegantly woven Russian or Latin letters flaunt. Currently, there are quite a lot of monogram options that can be built into software at sewing enterprises that provide the application of such patterns on certain products.

Monograms on men's shirts

An interesting fact is the appearance of monograms on men's clothing. What is a monogram on a shirt, why is it needed, especially if it is located in not very noticeable places of this piece of clothing? It turns out that she did not appear out of a desire to stand out or show the level. Men who handed over their linen to the laundry had to distinguish their shirt from someone else's. We don't take linen to the laundry at the moment. The monogram on the shirt no longer has practical value, but it serves to add beauty. Modern young men like to individualize everything, to have their own marks on clothes.

There are rules for applying monograms to shirts. It is not applied in order to be on public display. It is needed exclusively for the owner of the shirt. Located a few centimeters above the waistband of the trousers, it will look discreet and appropriate, as well as on the inside of the collar. Basically, monograms are located to the left of the placket, and if the shirt has a pocket, then on the pocket. The monogram should not be large and catchy. Otherwise, the wearer of the shirt will be considered tactless.