Letter F c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an initial, known simply as "Letter F," created by an anonymous artist. It's held in the collections of the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It strikes me as both ornate and imposing. The letter itself is quite bold, while the interior is full of swirling, almost gothic details. Curator: Indeed. The use of such elaborate decoration in what was likely a functional piece speaks to the high value placed on aesthetics. Think about the labor involved in creating such a design, and how it was likely part of a larger project, like a printed book or illuminated manuscript. Editor: And who had access to such luxury? Letter F speaks to the historical gatekeeping around literacy and knowledge. Who could afford, not just to read, but to own something so meticulously crafted? It forces us to consider class and access. Curator: A point well taken. Considering this piece helps us to examine the broader socio-economic context of artistic production. Editor: Absolutely. It also gives you pause to consider the cultural significance of the written word and its representation through art.