Letter M c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an interesting print titled "Letter M," crafted by an anonymous artist. Its home is here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's kind of wonderful! The stark black and white is striking, almost like a woodblock print gone wild with botanical energy. Curator: Indeed. The materiality speaks volumes, doesn't it? Think about the labour involved in carving those intricate leafy details. Editor: Oh, absolutely! And the way the "M" itself becomes a mini-garden. It makes me wonder who first encountered this, and what stories it might have opened. Curator: Precisely! Consider the social function of literacy, the dissemination of knowledge, the power dynamics inherent in written communication. Editor: It's funny how a simple letter can become a window into so much more. Curator: It underscores how art can invite curiosity about process, craft, and even the social fabric. Editor: What a fascinating meditation.