Initial T c. 15th century

Editor: This small, anonymous print, "Initial T," from the Harvard Art Museums, has this very formal, heraldic feel. What role would something like this play in its time? Curator: These decorative initials often appeared at the beginning of chapters in early printed books. They were a way to signal prestige and literacy. Consider the social impact of accessible printed material versus hand-scribed texts. Editor: So, it's about democratizing knowledge? Curator: Precisely! What was once exclusive is now slightly more accessible. The image itself also tells a story; the lions, the figure, the flourish; these lend an unspoken authority. Editor: It's interesting to think about how even these small details contribute to the broader cultural shift of the printing press. Curator: Exactly. The printing press not only changed the accessibility of books but also the very visual language of authority and knowledge.