Letter S c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have a fascinating initial, known as "Letter S", by an anonymous artist, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the rough, almost haphazard application of color within that tight border. It feels deliberately unrefined. Curator: Indeed. The composition utilizes a rather self-contained, curvilinear form, hinting at the letter's inherent elegance, which seems deliberately contrasted with the bordering. Editor: I'm drawn to the layering of color, the way the red and blue seem to fight for dominance, creating a textured effect. You can almost feel the printing process. It raises questions about the maker’s intent, and the wider printmaking context. Curator: The effect is quite visually stimulating, a balanced tension between form and surface. Editor: It encourages us to consider not just what is represented, but also how it was made and consumed, and what role such an image could have played. Curator: A successful interplay, generating both intellectual curiosity and sensory experience. Editor: Absolutely, a nice reminder that even something seemingly straightforward can invite profound contemplation.