Letter T c. 1549

Editor: This small woodcut, "Letter T," is by an anonymous artist and held at the Harvard Art Museums. It shows two nude figures framing the letter. I find the figures a little unsettling. How do you interpret its symbolism? Curator: Well, consider the historical context. Initial letters like this often appeared at the start of important texts, framing and legitimizing what followed. The figures, perhaps representations of innocence or labor, participate in this act of framing. How does this relationship affect your initial feelings? Editor: I see. It’s like the figures, and their implied innocence, give authority to the text. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks! Curator: Exactly. It’s a reminder that art is never truly separate from the power structures it inhabits.