Letter R c. 15th century

Curator: Here we have "Letter R," an intriguing initial by an anonymous artist, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It's so playful! The cherubic figures give it a light, almost mischievous feel. Curator: Indeed, these types of decorated letters were often used in early printed books, acting as visual markers and adding an artistic flair to the text. The imagery here seems to allude to themes of innocence and perhaps nascent knowledge. Editor: I wonder about the socio-political implications of using cherubs; were they meant to evoke purity, or perhaps a more complex understanding of power dynamics? Curator: That's a valid point. These images were certainly not neutral. Considering the context of their time, they were likely loaded with religious and cultural significance. Editor: Exactly, the layering of cultural symbolism is what captivates me! Curator: It's remarkable how a seemingly simple letter can contain so much history. Editor: Absolutely; it gives us a glimpse into the past, prompting us to question and reinterpret its meanings for today.