Leaving behind not only a distinct
imprint but also an intriguing sense
of heritage, European intaglios
continue to make a lasting mark
on contemporary projects.
TEXT MELISSA LESTERhile living in England, Artist-
in-Residence Stephanie Monahan
became captivated by centuries-old
heraldic emblems and the implements
that pressed their intricate designs into small puddles
of melted wax. Personalized insignias were used to
establish a document’s offi cial nature, verify the send-
er’s identity, and ensure private correspondence.
Stephanie’s foray into collecting these relics began
with livery buttons—trimmings that distinguished
the uniforms of all male servants in a particular
household— but soon developed into a quest for
pieces more rare. Among her most valuable fi nds are
an Italian signet ring bearing a stately cameo and two
French stamps that once belonged to royalty. Within
the yellowed pages of an antique book, she discovered
a cache of wax seals from as far back as the 1700s, pre-
served long ago by some kindred spirit.
The artisan frames original seals in shadow boxes
and uses the stamps to create her own hallmarks,
thereby showcasing the enduring beauty of unique
heirlooms and offering a tactile connection to the past.
Noble
IMPRESSIONS
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