Letter I c. 15th century

Editor: Here we have Letter I from an anonymous artist, housed in the Harvard Art Museums. The intricate, almost aggressive details contrast with the simple letterform. What do you make of this image? Curator: The interplay of positive and negative space is quite striking. Notice how the white letterform is asserted against the dense, textured background. Consider the function of line—how does it define both the letter and the decorative elements, creating a tension between legibility and ornamentation? Editor: It’s interesting that you point out the line work, as it does appear to both define and obscure the letter simultaneously. I hadn't thought of that. Curator: Indeed. Such a close reading reveals the fundamental visual components at play, leading to a deeper understanding of the work’s formal properties.