Decorated Capitals c. 16th century

Curator: These “Decorated Capitals,” held at the Harvard Art Museums, immediately strike me as austere, yet meticulously crafted. The use of black ink gives the letters a strong, almost block-like presence. Editor: Absolutely. I’m immediately drawn to how these decorated letters point towards the power structures embedded in literacy and access to knowledge. The act of decoration itself elevates these symbols. Curator: Indeed. It's fascinating to consider the historical context in which literacy was often a privilege. The visual embellishments on each letter speak to the societal value placed on the written word. Editor: Right, and the choice to remain anonymous as the artist challenges our understanding about the cult of the artist and authorship. The focus isn’t on who created these letterforms but on what they represent in society. Curator: Precisely. These "Decorated Capitals" underscore the socio-political weight and influence that literacy holds. Editor: Yes, I concur; such consideration urges critical engagement with the complex legacy of written language and its impact on the present.