Letter D c. 16th century

Curator: Look at this intriguing woodcut, simply titled "Letter D," held at the Harvard Art Museums and crafted by an anonymous hand. What's your immediate take? Editor: It feels ancient and a little mischievous! The black and white contrast is so stark, and that tiny face nestled within the "D" almost seems to be winking. Curator: Indeed! These illuminated letters often appeared at the start of chapters or important passages in early printed books. They were a way to signal importance and add visual flair before color printing became widespread. Editor: So, a sort of medieval emoji? I love how the unknown artist plays with the rigid form of the letter, filling it with lively, almost grotesque details. It's a bit unsettling, but also inviting. Curator: Exactly! The grotesque was a popular motif. These small images remind us that even functional art can carry layers of meaning and expression. Editor: Makes you wonder about the book it was in, and the stories it introduced... Curator: Absolutely, a tiny window into a lost world.