Letter B c. 16th century

Editor: This woodcut, "Letter B," is by an anonymous artist and held in the Harvard Art Museums. It has an intricate, almost botanical feel. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: Consider the political function of typography. These decorative letters, likely part of a larger alphabet, would have signaled refinement and learning. How would access to such detailed imagery shaped social hierarchies? Editor: So, it's not just art; it's about who gets to access knowledge and beauty. Curator: Precisely! It highlights the power dynamics embedded within seemingly simple designs, and their role in broader societal structures. Editor: I never thought about a letter having so much to say about social class. Curator: It reveals how even the most mundane objects can be imbued with meaning and reflect the socio-political landscape of their time.