Letter L c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an intriguing piece, simply titled "Letter L," by an anonymous artist, held within the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first thought? It feels like a secret garden gate, all tangled vines forming a very elegant "L". It's oddly inviting, even in its stark black and white. Curator: It's a fascinating example of how typography can transcend mere function. The dotted background creates a field, grounding the letter. What purpose did it serve? Was it a decorative element for a book or broadside? Editor: Perhaps it was a meditative doodle that morphed into something grand. I imagine the artist relishing the contrast—the solid letter against that pointillist ground. Curator: It really speaks to the democratization of art, doesn't it? An everyday letter, elevated through craft and design. It demonstrates how art can make its way into the world, even if the artist remains unknown. Editor: Indeed. And for me, it’s a reminder that even the simplest form can blossom into something wild and beautiful, like this little letter.