Letters W and X 15th-16th century

Curator: This print from the Harvard Art Museums presents us with the letters W and X, crafted by an anonymous hand. Look closely; the detail is remarkable. Editor: My first thought is how intricate and decorative they are, almost more like abstract designs than recognizable letters. There's an elegance to the swirling lines, but also a density that feels almost oppressive. Curator: These kinds of ornate letterforms were incredibly popular, especially in printmaking. Consider the social function of alphabets. These prints were important in the standardization of language, and allowed for the democratization of knowledge. Editor: Absolutely, and the dense ornamentation speaks to the idea of typography as a status symbol, right? Think about who would have commissioned or owned something like this. The way identity intersects with access to language is fascinating. Curator: Indeed, the very act of making something so visually appealing from the written word highlights the power structures inherent in literacy. Editor: It's almost ironic how something meant to be accessible is also so visually exclusive. I keep thinking about the relationship between legibility and power. Curator: It certainly provides a good reminder about the multifaceted social and political aspects that influence artistic expression. Editor: Agreed, the act of artistic interpretation can change our understanding of print's societal impact in powerful ways.