Letter Q c. 16th century

Editor: This woodcut, "Letter Q" by Anton Woensam von Worms, presents an ornate initial. The mood is quite somber, even with the cherubic figure. How do you interpret the symbolism at play here? Curator: Note how the letterform itself cradles the figure, echoing a protective embrace, perhaps suggestive of qualities associated with the letter in illuminated manuscripts, a sign of beginnings, of something precious being nurtured. Editor: So, the letter is more than decorative; it's integral to the meaning. Curator: Exactly! The "Q" gains significance through its visual association with care and origin. Do you see how the repetition of these forms create a harmony? Editor: I do, now. I will never look at letters the same way. Curator: And that's the power of visual language; it reveals layers of meaning embedded within familiar forms.