Initial H c. 15th century

Curator: This is "Initial H," an anonymous work held here at the Harvard Art Museums. The woodcut shows a decorative letter "H" entwined with foliage and birds. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the stark contrast and graphic nature of the image. It feels both ancient and somehow very modern in its simplicity. Curator: The peacock is quite prominent. In Christian iconography, it can represent resurrection, renewal, and even immortality, given the myth that its flesh doesn't decay. Editor: Interesting! I see it more as a symbol of vanity, perhaps even oppression, especially in the context of illuminated manuscripts created within systems of power. Who got to be illuminated? Curator: It could represent a multitude of things, and perhaps those dualities were intentionally embedded. Editor: Perhaps. What resonates for me is how even something seemingly decorative carries encoded messages about who holds privilege and what narratives are valorized. Curator: Right, this piece showcases how images can transcend time, carrying complex and sometimes conflicting cultural weight across centuries. Editor: Ultimately, art is always a conversation, even when the artist is unknown.