Letter P c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an intriguing woodcut simply titled "Letter P," by an anonymous artist, held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The density of line-work gives it a weight, almost oppressive. What can you tell me about the figure? Curator: Well, beyond being incorporated into the letterform, the figure’s apparel suggests a certain societal status, perhaps connected to early printing houses or institutions of power. Editor: The letter itself seems almost organic, embracing the figure. It evokes a sense of protection, or perhaps confinement, depending on how you read it. What cultural symbols can we identify? Curator: The "P," of course, potentially a marker of religious or political authority. It suggests a world governed by symbols and hierarchy. Editor: So it presents a glimpse into the past, where even letters carried inherent power and meaning. Curator: Indeed, a powerful reminder that the written word has always been more than just communication.