Letter M c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have the letter "M," an initial print held in the Harvard Art Museums, created by an anonymous artist. Editor: It's a striking image. The letter is so ornate, almost overwhelmed by the organic forms swirling around it. I sense a tension between the rigidity of the letterform and the wildness of the foliage. Curator: Precisely! These initial prints served a vital role in early book production, reflecting the cultural importance of literacy and the social value placed on beautifully crafted texts. Editor: I find it fascinating how the artist incorporated floral and zoomorphic motifs. The tiny faces and twisting vines seem to whisper of older, pagan beliefs finding their way into the age of the printed word. It is beautiful. Curator: Indeed, this exemplifies the period's aesthetic sensibility, blending classical and medieval influences with emerging humanist ideals. It shows how the church influenced printing at the time. Editor: It certainly gives you a lot to think about when looking at something so simple. Curator: Agreed, I had not thought about the church influences and that makes a lot of sense.