Initial letter Q 1490s

This 'Initial letter Q' was made by an anonymous artist, using woodcut on paper. Consider the world of manuscript illumination and early printmaking, where the decoration of letters served a crucial function. In a time when literacy was far from universal, images served as vital visual cues. The letter 'Q', adorned with foliage, becomes more than just a letter. Now, let’s think about the social conditions that gave rise to this art. Who was the audience for such works? Was it meant for private devotion or public display? Understanding these contexts helps us move beyond formal appreciation to the social life of the image. Historians rely on many resources: archival documents, social histories, and studies of print culture. These shed light on the production, distribution, and reception of images. Each artwork’s meaning is contingent on its social and institutional context.