Letter I c. 16th century

Curator: This is an initial, a "Letter I," from the Harvard Art Museums, created by an anonymous artist. What are your first thoughts? Editor: It feels incredibly grounded, doesn't it? Solid. That blocky "I" framed by all those organic, curling tendrils, it's like civilization emerging from the wild. Curator: The contrast is compelling, especially when you consider the historical function of such initials. They signaled beginnings, yes, but also authority. Editor: And visually, the "I" itself becomes a symbol of order, or perhaps even an individual asserting itself amidst the chaos of existence. The surrounding flora almost seem to bow to it. Curator: Or, alternatively, they embrace it, highlighting how even the most rigid structures are informed by the natural world. Editor: It is a powerful statement of intent, one that resonates across time. Curator: Indeed, it is a testament to the enduring power of symbols.