Letter C c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have "Letter C" by an anonymous artist, housed in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels like a secret garden blooming inside a letter! The contrast is so stark, it draws you right in. Curator: Indeed. The high contrast likely reflects the printmaking process. Consider the labor involved in carving this intricate design, how the matrix would have been prepared, inked, and printed. Editor: You're right, it is so physical! It reminds me of a time when every letter held weight, a purpose beyond just conveying words. Curator: Exactly! These decorative letters often marked beginnings, chapters, highlighting the social function of literacy and the bookmaking trade. Editor: Thinking about it now, each little dot is like a tiny seed, waiting to grow into new ideas. I feel very inspired now! Curator: And hopefully our listeners feel inspired to dig deeper into the means of art production. Editor: Absolutely. It's about seeing the world, letter by letter, with new eyes.