Letter F c. 16th century

Curator: At Harvard Art Museums, we have an intriguing woodcut simply titled, "Letter F," created by an anonymous artist. Its stark black lines on white produce quite a dramatic effect, don't you think? Editor: Indeed, there's a sense of turbulence and unease here. The letter "F" becomes a frame for chaotic figures—a tumbling man, perhaps even a scene of violence. It's unsettling. Curator: These illuminated initials, commonly found in medieval and Renaissance texts, were more than mere decoration. They visually enhanced the text. The imagery often depicted religious stories or moral lessons. Editor: I am intrigued by the interplay between the symbolic function of the letter and the narrative it holds. It's not just about conveying information, it is about the social and cultural values embedded. Curator: True. It is a powerful combination of form and content. Editor: I concur; this letter "F" is an invitation to explore the rich visual vocabulary of its time.