Letter S c. 16th century

Editor: This is "Letter S," a small woodcut, author unknown, here at the Harvard Art Museums. I’m intrigued by the almost animalistic forms entwined within the letter itself. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, for me, it’s a journey into the heart of craftsmanship. Imagine the artisan, meticulously carving away at the wood, revealing these strange, serpentine creatures. It feels ancient, doesn’t it? Like a forgotten alphabet rediscovered. Editor: Definitely! It feels almost…magical. Curator: Precisely! A little world contained in a tiny square. It makes you wonder about the stories this letter might have started. Editor: I love how such a small thing can spark such big thoughts. Curator: It’s like finding a doorway to another time, right here on the wall.