Letter E c. 16th century

Curator: Well, that's a striking "E"! It feels almost... aggressive, doesn't it? Editor: Indeed! It's an initial from a printer's set, author unknown, residing here at Harvard Art Museums. I am captivated by how ornate a simple "E" can be. Curator: Ornate is the word. It’s bursting with life, yet it feels so contained. Almost like a secret garden locked inside a letter. Editor: The floral motifs do lend it a sense of vitality. These sorts of decorated initials were crucial for elevating the printed page, providing visual cues in early books. Curator: It's remarkable to think that someone poured so much artistry into something so functional. I wonder what stories this "E" has helped to tell. Editor: A testament to the craftsmanship and design integral to the history of the book, wouldn't you agree? Curator: Absolutely, makes you wonder what it might introduce, doesn't it? Perhaps a tale of elephants... or maybe even eternity.