Head- and Tail-pieces c. 18th century

Curator: This diminutive sheet, held at the Harvard Art Museums, is titled "Head- and Tail-pieces" and attributed to an artist named simply, "? Mouce." Editor: The density of line work is striking! There's such crispness in the execution, particularly given its size. It feels both decorative and functional. Curator: Absolutely. These types of ornaments held a significant place in the cultural memory, appearing in printed books to mark the end of chapters or sections. The floral motifs and symmetrical arrangement evoke themes of completion and harmony. Editor: And the materials would have been quite accessible. We're likely looking at a woodcut, which meant relatively inexpensive reproduction. It speaks to the expanding world of literacy and the democratization of art through printed matter. Curator: I find the ambiguity of "? Mouce"'s identity intriguing. Was this a pseudonym? Or is it simply a name lost to time? Regardless, the image persists. Editor: Indeed. It’s a small piece, but it reveals so much about the labor and dissemination of visual culture. Curator: A potent reminder of how even seemingly minor designs can hold profound symbolic meaning.