Letter P 15th-16th century

Editor: This piece, "Letter P" by an anonymous artist, features an intricate design. I'm struck by how this single letter feels so decorative and almost... important. How might this have functioned in its original context? Curator: Consider the political power associated with literacy in earlier eras. Decoration of this kind elevates the written word. In a world where access to reading was limited, what impact would an illuminated initial like this have? Editor: So, it's not just pretty, but also reinforces a social hierarchy? I hadn't thought of it that way. Curator: Precisely. These weren't merely aesthetic choices. The display of wealth and knowledge was deeply intertwined with power dynamics. Editor: I guess I was only seeing the surface, now I can appreciate the deeper implications. Thanks! Curator: Understanding those power dynamics gives us a richer understanding of the artwork itself.