Letter S c. 16th century

Curator: Look at this striking initial, simply called "Letter S," a woodcut print from an anonymous artist, held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels like a secret garden bursting from the very letter. The "S" itself seems to be growing organically among the foliage. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the process of carving away at the woodblock, each leaf and tendril meticulously defined. The labor involved speaks to a reverence for both craft and the written word. Editor: And the repetition suggests a larger purpose, perhaps as part of a series for illuminating manuscripts, making the act of reading itself a beautiful, almost sacred experience. Curator: Indeed. One can imagine the artisan finding rhythm in repetition, finding joy within it. Editor: It’s a reminder that even the smallest details, the most functional elements, can be infused with artistry and spirit. Curator: It’s a lovely little piece, full of surprises. Editor: Precisely! Like unearthing a tiny, perfect world.