Initial S c. 16th century

Editor: This woodcut, "Initial S" by an anonymous artist, features a letter S interwoven with foliage. It has a very medieval feel, doesn’t it? How was something like this used and seen? Curator: Precisely. Consider the rise of literacy and printed materials. Images like this "S" weren't just decorative; they democratized knowledge. Think of the social impact of accessible texts. How might this single letter have played a role in that? Editor: So, it's less about the art itself and more about how this image became part of a larger cultural shift? Curator: Exactly. Its purpose transcends pure aesthetics, contributing to how information was disseminated and consumed in a changing society. Editor: I hadn't considered its role in making knowledge more accessible. Thanks!