Letter G c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have "Letter G," by an anonymous artist. It looks like a woodcut or similar printmaking technique. It feels very medieval to me, almost like something you'd find in an illuminated manuscript. What is the social and cultural impact of this artwork? Curator: Well, these initial letters served to mark divisions in a text, adding visual cues and hierarchy. The decorative "G" elevates the text, creating a sense of importance and inviting the reader into the content. Think of how powerful literacy and access to information were, and who controlled it. Editor: So, it's not just decoration, it's about power and control of information? Curator: Exactly. How was this image used and disseminated? Who had access? It reflects the social structures of its time, right? Editor: I never thought about it that way before. Thank you! Curator: Me too!