Letter F (?) c. 16th century

Editor: This intriguing woodcut print, "Letter F (?)," is an anonymous piece held at the Harvard Art Museums. I'm struck by its medieval feel. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: These illuminated letters often appeared at the beginning of chapters in early printed books, a holdover from illuminated manuscripts. Consider the politics of imagery - who controlled access to these images, and what messages were they meant to convey to the literate elite? Editor: So, these weren't just decorative? Curator: Decoration served a purpose. These images visualized power, knowledge, and religious authority. What do you observe about the figure depicted? Editor: He looks like a scholar or nobleman. It's amazing how much information can be conveyed in such a small, simple image. Curator: Precisely! It highlights the power dynamics embedded within artistic creation and consumption.