Initials Used in Books Printed by Rembolt and Gering c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have a woodcut initial, “Initials Used in Books Printed by Rembolt and Gering,” made by an anonymous artist. It looks like a "D," but there’s a figure trapped inside. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The initial 'D' acts as a visual container for a narrative. Look at the figure - bound, possibly struggling. The letter, usually a marker of entry into language, here imprisons a human form. What does this tension suggest about the power of language itself? Editor: That's a powerful idea! It makes me think about how language can both liberate and restrict. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. These small images open doors to understanding cultural attitudes and beliefs that are embedded in visual symbols.