Letter C from the Children's Alphabet by François Fradin c. 16th century

Editor: This is an initial from a children's alphabet, the Letter C, by François Fradin. It features a cherubic figure entwined within the letter's form. What do you see in the arrangement of the figure and the letter itself? Curator: The composition is quite striking. Note how the cherub's limbs mirror the curves of the "C," creating a visual echo. The graphic contrast between the black ink and the negative space of the paper accentuates the tactile quality of the woodcut. Editor: So, it’s about the interplay of shapes and the texture of the lines? Curator: Precisely. Observe how the density of the lines creates a hierarchy, drawing the eye to the cherub's face. It is a study of form and texture, using an economy of means. Editor: I hadn't noticed how the lines directed my gaze. Thanks for pointing that out!