Letter N c. 15th century

Curator: How charming is this, an ornamental "Letter N" where the artist, alas, remains unknown. Editor: It has a kind of stoic, sturdy feel, doesn't it? The sword cutting right across the 'N' makes you think of power, and maybe even danger. Curator: I'm drawn to the way organic swirls play against the rigid geometry of the letter and sword, a real tension. Editor: And the texture! You can almost feel the block printing. Imagine the repetitive labor, each letter pressed, composing the page... it’s mesmerizing. Curator: Yes, that interplay of constraint and flourish makes even a single letter feel like a whole story. Editor: A story etched by labor and designed for legibility, yet flirting with artistry. I find that dichotomy captivating.