Capital Letter VIII c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have "Capital Letter VIII" by an anonymous artist, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. It's giving me fierce medieval manuscript vibes. Editor: I’m struck by the stark contrast and the density of detail crammed into such a small space. You can almost smell the ink and the paper. Curator: Yes, it's likely a woodcut. Notice how the letter 'P' is actually formed by a bird, perhaps a heron, preening or hunting amidst foliage. Editor: I find myself wondering about the labor involved in creating each block, each letter. The repetitive motion, the careful carving...it's a form of craft, deeply embedded in the means of production. Curator: And yet, beyond the physical craft, I see an invitation to a world where the mundane is enchanted, where a letter isn't just a letter, but a living, breathing element. Editor: Ultimately, this piece makes me consider the value placed on such craftsmanship versus mass production in our own time. Curator: Indeed, it is a testament to the enduring allure of handcrafted objects and a reminder of the beauty hidden in the functional.