Letter A c. 16th century

Curator: Looking at this, I feel as if I've just unearthed an ancient treasure map! What do you make of it? Editor: We're looking at a print simply titled "Letter A," by an anonymous artist, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. The letter is embellished with botanical motifs. Curator: Yes, but it feels so much more than a mere letter. The texture seems almost alive, like a secret language blooming. Editor: It makes me think about how alphabets have been used as tools of both empire and resistance, shaping knowledge and narratives across different cultures. Curator: I love that! And the way the ink bleeds ever so slightly…it adds to the sense that this image, this letter, is still in process, still revealing itself. Editor: Indeed. It’s a reminder that even the most fundamental elements of communication carry the weight of history and the potential for transformation. Curator: Well said. For me, it's like a tiny seed of an idea, pregnant with possibility. Editor: Absolutely, and a powerful testament to the enduring power of symbols and their potential to shape meaning.