Letter S c. 16th century

Curator: This is an initial "S," an initial from an unknown hand. The print is housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's amazing how much visual information is packed into this tiny square! I'm immediately struck by the figures and the details of their clothing, framed by that decorative border. Curator: Indeed! The clothing is quite important. Given the garb, the hats in particular, it seems likely that these are scholars. The image serves as decoration but also denotes status. Editor: There's a certain uniformity in the way the figures are rendered, yet the slight variations in their faces create a sense of individuality. Curator: Agreed. What's also fascinating is the labor required to produce prints like this, the transfer of knowledge in the workshop, and the slow proliferation of this technology. Editor: Looking closely, I see a fascinating interplay between the positive and negative space; the stark contrast enhances the clarity of form despite the print's age. Curator: Yes, the materiality really emphasizes the labor involved and its historical context. Editor: I leave this viewing with a sense of the artist's careful planning and design. Curator: And I, with thoughts of the cultural work this small piece performed, disseminating knowledge at an accelerating pace.