Letter C c. 16th century

Curator: This is Letter C, an anonymous work held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels contained, almost claustrophobic with its intricate black and white design. The letterform is nearly swallowed by the ornamentation. Curator: Yes, the interplay between figure and ground creates a dynamic tension. The stark contrast of black and white lends itself well to the printing process. Editor: I'm curious about the social context of these illuminated initials. Were they common in religious texts, perhaps? Who would have seen such intricate designs? Curator: That’s right. Consider the audience and the power dynamics at play. Were these initials used to signal status? Who was literate and who controlled access to knowledge? Editor: It gives much to think about, considering the purpose and viewership, how something so small could carry so much weight. Curator: Precisely, each element tells a story, beyond the simple aesthetic pleasure.