Letter E with 2 storks 15th-16th century

Curator: This intriguing print, held here at the Harvard Art Museums, is titled "Letter E with 2 storks" and comes to us from an anonymous hand. Editor: It's wonderfully bizarre! The storks are quite striking, especially that gaping beak on the right. What’s the significance of the stork imagery, do you think? Curator: Storks traditionally symbolize birth and new beginnings. Their presence here might indicate the start of a new text or chapter, a fresh perspective offered through literacy. Editor: I see that the storks bookend a fantastical "E", filled with swirling, almost dreamlike imagery. There's a small building nestled within; what could that represent? Curator: It suggests the establishment of culture, perhaps the foundation of a community built upon the principles embodied by the letter "E" itself, as promoted by the elite classes. Editor: The lack of a known artist suggests a broader cultural purpose for this image. I find it quite compelling how simple symbols can unlock layers of cultural understanding. Curator: Indeed, it reminds us that even the smallest details can provide insight into the beliefs and social structures of the past.