Initial A c. 16th century

Editor: This is a small, square print of the letter "A," known as "Initial A," by an anonymous artist. It feels very medieval to me. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: Consider how this seemingly simple letter signifies the power of language during a time of limited literacy. The elaborate design, the integration of nature – what statement do you think that makes about who had access to knowledge and power? Editor: So, it’s less about the letter itself, and more about what it represents in a broader social context? Curator: Precisely! It invites us to think about the systems that create and perpetuate hierarchies around knowledge, and who gets to shape those systems. Editor: I never thought about it that way before! Thanks for opening my eyes. Curator: And thank you for bringing a fresh perspective to this discussion.