Letter V c. 15th century

Editor: This is "Letter V," an anonymous print held at the Harvard Art Museums. I find the ornamentation so detailed and contained. What stands out to you about this initial? Curator: The lack of attribution invites questions about authorship and access. Who was producing these initials, and for what purpose? Consider how the ornamental style might reflect broader social and political currents. Editor: So, by focusing on who made the letter, we can consider what it communicates about its context? Curator: Precisely. Think about the power dynamics embedded in literacy and the production of texts. These ornate initials weren't merely decorative; they played a role in shaping narratives and controlling information. Editor: That gives me a lot to consider about something that looks so simple. Curator: Indeed. Art often reveals more when we look beyond the surface.