Letter S c. 15th century

Curator: This woodcut, entitled "Letter S," is part of the Harvard Art Museums collection and, while undated, the style suggests it may be medieval in origin. The artist is unknown. Editor: What strikes me immediately is the visual density—the stark black and white contrasting with the intimate scene nestled within the letter's curve. It’s quite arresting. Curator: Indeed. The illuminated initial "S" was common in illuminated manuscripts, acting as a visual cue and decorative element. The use of figuration elevates this from mere decoration to a theological or allegorical narrative. Editor: Yes, Adam and what appears to be an angel are at the center. Their placement within the "S" suggests a fall from grace, a story visually captured within a single letter, laden with symbolic weight. Curator: Precisely! The letter itself, through its form and placement in a manuscript, becomes a site of power, reinforcing cultural and religious narratives for its intended audience. Editor: Considering the imagery associated with beginnings, the letter 'S' takes on an ironic meaning. It is more than just an initial. It's a narrative condensation. Curator: It's fascinating to consider how the letter, as a design element, is intertwined with the socio-religious context of its time, influencing its very purpose and reception. Editor: Absolutely, it underscores how even the smallest images can carry generations of meaning, all beginning with a simple letter.