Initial O c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have "Initial O," by an anonymous artist. It is part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It's striking how such a small block conveys such texture. I'm immediately drawn to the dense, almost velvet-like quality of the blacks, evidence of its making. Curator: Indeed. Given it is an initial, it's reasonable to assume it was part of a larger project, a book perhaps. The floral imagery feels almost hopeful, signaling the start of something. Editor: I see that, but I also read a deeper symbolism. The "O", a void, with the flower representing something nascent blooming forth. An almost alchemical transformation. Curator: Or, practically speaking, a commercial workshop producing many of these for wide consumption. The material constraints dictated the simple design. Editor: Perhaps. But even simple designs carry resonance. This "O" isn't just a letter; it's a portal, promising hidden meanings. Curator: A thought-provoking piece regardless. Editor: Precisely. A potent little object.