Letter R c. 16th century

Curator: This is "Letter R", an anonymous print held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The density of the design is captivating. It feels both ornate and almost overwhelming at the same time. I'm curious about the process. Curator: It's fascinating how these illuminated letters functioned—not purely as decoration, but as integral to the reading experience, guiding the eye and signifying textual divisions. The use of black ink suggests this was for print reproduction, making knowledge more accessible. Editor: Consider the material realities involved in its production. The labor of carving, the skill of the printer, and the paper itself—a testament to a collective effort to disseminate information. The texture alone speaks volumes. Curator: Absolutely. Its survival reminds us of the changing role of images and their profound impact on cultural and intellectual history. Editor: It makes you wonder about the hands that made it, and the hands that held it over the centuries. Curator: Indeed, a powerful object with a fascinating story to tell. Editor: A small but meaningful artifact.