Letter C 15th-16th century

Curator: This small print, titled "Letter C," is by an anonymous artist and held in the collection of the Harvard Art Museums. It strikes me as a humble yet powerful image. Editor: There's a certain charm to it. The bold black lines create such a strong, almost playful, graphic presence despite the small scale. Curator: The labor involved in such intricate detail, especially considering its likely function as a decorative element within a larger printed work, speaks volumes about the value placed on craft. Editor: Yes, and think about the symbolism of the lion intertwined within the letter. It projects such an overt display of power, potentially reinforcing societal hierarchies and expectations. Curator: It’s a wonderful example of how even the smallest, seemingly insignificant objects can reveal so much about the processes and values of their time. Editor: Absolutely. It’s in these quiet, almost hidden pieces that the dominant narratives, as well as the subtle rebellions, are often most evident.