Letter Q c. 16th century

Editor: This intriguing work, simply titled "Letter Q," is by an anonymous artist. It's a very detailed image. What stands out to you about its historical context? Curator: Well, the fact that it's a letter points to a functional, public role. Consider how the printing press democratized knowledge. This initial "Q," perhaps part of a larger alphabet, reflects how art served literacy and, therefore, social mobility. Editor: So, the image isn't just decorative. It's tied to broader social shifts. Curator: Precisely. The rabbit and the seated figure--how might their symbolism be read within the context of early print culture and its audience? Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way. It's more than just an initial; it's a sign of a changing world. Curator: Exactly. Art and society, forever intertwined.