Letter C c. 15th century

Editor: Here we have Letter C, an anonymous piece from the Harvard Art Museums. It’s fascinating how floral motifs intertwine to create the letterform. What catches your eye in terms of its composition? Curator: The interplay of positive and negative space, achieved through the density and variation of line, constructs a visually dynamic surface. Observe how the internal floral elements both define and disrupt the expected curvature of the letter. Editor: So, the tension between the letter and the floral design is key? Curator: Precisely. The dialectic between form and ornament creates a visual tension that animates the letter, inviting the viewer to actively decode its structure. Editor: I hadn't considered that interplay before. Thanks for illuminating these details! Curator: My pleasure. It is through such focused observations that we begin to understand the underlying principles of visual construction.