Initial L c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an "Initial L," a woodcut print from an unknown artist, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s tiny, but the level of detail is amazing! You can see the texture of the wood so clearly. Curator: Indeed. These decorated initials were common in early printed books, elevating the visual appeal of the text. The image here includes foliate designs and depictions of animals. Editor: I’m drawn to the lion imagery intertwined within the letter; that connection between the organic and the constructed feels significant. Was there a symbolism to these creatures? Curator: Very likely. Lions, especially in the medieval period, represented strength, royalty, and even Christ. Placing them within the initial could have been a way of imbuing the text with those qualities. Editor: It’s incredible how much meaning could be invested into such a small piece of functional art, almost like a miniature world of labor and intention. Curator: Absolutely, this simple initial reveals so much about the cultural values attached to books and knowledge. Editor: The artist's anonymity makes me consider who made the printing block and how much the process, skill, and resources affected the final design.