Letters R and S 15th-16th century

Curator: The Harvard Art Museums hold this intricate rendering of the letters R and S, author unknown. What strikes you about it? Editor: The letters feel almost alive, blooming with flourishes and woven textures. Like secret symbols in an ancient manuscript. Curator: Precisely. These designs showcase the artistry of early typography, where letters were not merely functional but decorative objects. Think of the power of the printed word emerging. Editor: It's amazing how something seemingly simple, like a letter, becomes a playground for imagination. The woven details remind me of Celtic knots. Curator: There is a dense layering to these letters. Early modern printers were eager to elevate their craft, and this piece exemplifies that ambition. Editor: It makes me wonder, who was this anonymous artist, and what other secrets did their pen hold? Curator: Perhaps we each carry our own interpretations, which is the beauty of such enigmatic, anonymous works. Editor: A beautiful mystery, indeed, and a potent reminder of the silent artisans who shaped our world.