Initial M c. 16th century

Editor: This is "Initial M," created by an anonymous artist. The black and white design is striking. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Notice how the interlace pattern within the 'M' evokes Celtic knotwork, a symbol of eternity and interconnectedness, common in illuminated manuscripts of the medieval period. The surrounding foliage, almost like stylized spears, suggests themes of power and authority. Does this resonate with your own understanding of the initial? Editor: I hadn't considered the Celtic influence, and those do look like spears! It's more complex than I first thought. Curator: Indeed, these symbols whisper tales of cultural memory and the enduring power of visual language. Editor: Thanks for the new perspective. I’ll definitely look at initials differently now.