Letters T and U c. 16th century

Editor: These ornate Letters T and U by an anonymous artist are fascinating! The way the letters incorporate human and animal figures is striking. What symbols do you recognize? Curator: The intertwining of flora, fauna, and human forms speaks to a holistic worldview. Note the grotesque heads – often apotropaic, intended to ward off evil. How do these images resonate with you today? Editor: I hadn’t considered the protective aspect. Now I see how these forms blend decoration and deeper meaning. Curator: Indeed. These letters are not merely decorative; they are vessels of cultural memory, echoing beliefs and anxieties of their time. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about, the idea of letters holding so much more than just their phonetic value.