Initial C c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have *Initial C*, created by an anonymous artist. It is located at the Harvard Art Museums. I see cherubic figures intertwined with the letter, creating a playful scene. What does this imagery evoke for you? Curator: Consider how the "C" might not simply be decorative. The playful cherubs and the ornate border could represent civic virtues or be linked to specific printing houses and their political affiliations during the time of its creation. What do you think about that? Editor: That makes sense! So, it's not just about aesthetics, but also about power and influence? Curator: Exactly! It makes you question what kind of message this art would have tried to convey and to whom it was addressed. Editor: I never thought about the politics behind such an innocent looking letter!