Letter N c. 16th century

Curator: This woodcut, titled "Letter N," is an intriguing example of early typography, an anonymous piece now held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by its compact density. The stark black lines create a dramatic contrast against the paper, almost a miniature world teeming with detail. Curator: The letterform itself likely served a utilitarian purpose, perhaps as an initial in a printed text. Yet, observe the figures nestled within and around the "N"—classical motifs, indicating a level of cultural aspiration in print production. Editor: Yes, the semiotic weight of that initial becomes quite fascinating. The letterform isn't just a signifier; it's a visual symbol, referencing power, learning, perhaps even nobility. Curator: Exactly. The inclusion of mythological figures subtly elevated the status of the written word and, by extension, the reader. It's a wonderful reminder of the historical context embedded within the alphabet itself. Editor: I'll certainly look at my own "N"s differently from now on, considering the embedded imagery, artistic ambition and social meaning within a single letter.