Letters N and O c. 16th century

Curator: This piece, entitled "Letters N and O," is held here at the Harvard Art Museums, created by an anonymous artist. Look at the intricate details within those forms! Editor: Immediately, I see a playful energy, like these letters are bursting with secret stories. The little figures nestled in the curves give it a lively feel. Curator: Indeed! Initial letters like these had a crucial role in early printed books, guiding the reader and adding visual interest. You see that echoed even now. Editor: It's like each letter is a tiny stage, and these characters are putting on a show for anyone who takes the time to look closely! Curator: Exactly. The artistry here reflects the broader cultural value placed on literacy and the power of communication. These letters aren't just letters, they're statements. Editor: I find myself wondering about the hands that made this, the stories those hands could tell. It's a beautiful bridge to another time. Curator: A bridge built by these "Letters N and O." Editor: A very fitting way to describe it.