Letter S c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have an intriguing woodcut, "Letter S," by an anonymous artist at the Harvard Art Museums. It's dense with figures and activity, all framed by the letterform. What's your take on the imagery here? Curator: The "S" initially presents itself as a simple letter, but it becomes a vessel for cultural memory. Notice the kneeling figure, seemingly a scribe, illuminated by a divine presence above. The letter then morphs into a stage for knowledge and devotion. Editor: That's a great observation. It seems the letter isn't just a letter. Curator: Exactly. It's a symbol layered with meaning. How does this interplay between text and image resonate with you? Editor: I see it now. It’s not just decorative; it's imbued with historical and religious significance, turning something ordinary into a narrative. Curator: Precisely. We learn about the era's values, revealed through the symbolic power of images in language.