Letter O c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have a small, square woodcut, titled "Letter O" and created by an anonymous artist. I'm struck by the contrast. Editor: Yes, the stark black lines create a sense of both formality and, paradoxically, raw, handmade quality. You can almost feel the cutting of the block. Curator: Exactly! The image depicts a scribe meticulously working at a writing desk, while another figure holds a scroll. It speaks volumes about the labour involved in producing texts. Editor: And about access. Who got to write, who got to read, and what social structures supported the production of knowledge? The letter itself becomes a symbol of literacy and power. Curator: We might also consider how this print was used, circulated, and consumed in its time, and who had access to it. Editor: Absolutely, tracing its role in shaping ideas and influencing society. So much history packed into a single letter. Curator: Indeed, the focus on the means of textual production really adds to my understanding. Editor: This small woodcut opens up so many questions about the role of art within culture.