Letter Q c. 16th century

Curator: This is "Letter Q" by Hans Holbein the Younger, held at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a woodcut, part of a series of alphabet initials. Editor: It's so playful! A wrestling match inside a letter... that's a quirky take on ornamental design, isn't it? Curator: Absolutely! Consider the placement of the figures within the 'Q.' It transforms a simple letter into a vibrant scene of human activity. Editor: There's also something inherently symbolic about containment here. The letter not only frames the action but almost seems to dictate its boundaries, creating a mini-drama with its own rules. Curator: Indeed. Holbein’s work reminds us that even the smallest, most functional images can be infused with cultural meaning and expressive power. Editor: It’s a reminder that design, even at its most basic, can tell a story.