Initial V c. 16th century

Curator: Right, let's look at this woodcut initial, called "Initial V", housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. It's by an anonymous artist. Editor: It's intense, isn’t it? A very gothic feel, like the beginning of a dark fairy tale. So much contrast, and those stylized leaves... Curator: Yes, the high contrast is typical of the woodcut process, where the artist carves away the negative space. Think about the labor involved, meticulously removing slivers of wood. Editor: I keep wondering what text this 'V' once adorned. A sacred verse? Or perhaps a villain's vow? It has that ominous weight to it. Curator: It makes you consider the interplay between craftsmanship and literacy. Who was producing these, and for whom? Editor: Precisely! It's more than just decoration, it's a cultural artifact. I feel a profound sense of connection to the past. Curator: It really is. A small but mighty window into a world of makers, readers, and stories waiting to unfold. Editor: A compelling piece! I am very curious about this artwork and the stories it can reveal.