Letter S

Editor: This woodcut print, "Letter S," by an anonymous artist, shows a monk in prayer surrounded by floral motifs. The stark contrast really catches my eye. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I notice the labor involved in carving such intricate details into wood, a humble material. Consider the social context: was this mass-produced for the common person, or a special commission? The means of production dictate its value and accessibility. Editor: That’s a great point. Thinking about its purpose makes me look at it differently. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, materiality informs meaning.