Letter V c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have "Letter V", an intriguing example of decorative art, created by an anonymous artist and held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s striking—the bold letterform contrasts nicely with the delicate floral and zoomorphic flourishes, a real balance of rigidity and organic form. Curator: Indeed. These illuminated letters were often used to mark chapters or significant passages, and as such, played a key role in guiding a reader's experience. Editor: The crisp, clean lines create a rhythm that pulls the eye across the surface, while the fantastic hybrid creatures flanking the letter are quite captivating. Curator: It speaks to the period's broader interest in blending classical motifs with contemporary aesthetics, reflecting an aspiration for intellectual and artistic refinement. Editor: It’s interesting how even a single letter can encapsulate so much about its time. It really invites contemplation on the power of typography.