Square ornament of a flower bed (fol. u iv recto) 1499

Editor: This is an anonymous work called "Square ornament of a flower bed." It's quite small, and the intricate linework gives it a sense of delicate beauty. How would you interpret this piece? Curator: It whispers of quiet gardens, doesn't it? The square, the knotwork—it's all so contained, yet the flower bursts forth. I see a meditation on order versus nature, or perhaps the garden of the mind. It reminds me of illuminated manuscripts, a hidden world blooming on the page. What do you think? Editor: I like that – the garden of the mind. It definitely feels very internal and symbolic. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! It's amazing how much a little square can hold, isn't it?