Letter U c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have a woodcut simply titled "Letter U," by an anonymous artist, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: The stark contrast between the black ink and white paper immediately grabs attention. It feels very graphic and bold. Curator: Indeed. Letterforms, particularly illuminated initials, held significant cultural importance. Consider the role of literacy and access to information. Editor: The floral motif within the "U" softens the harshness of the block print. I see how the artist balances the geometry of the letter with organic forms. Curator: The decision to leave the artist anonymous raises intriguing questions about authorship and the perceived value of craft versus fine art. Editor: Perhaps the anonymity allows the viewer to focus solely on the visual impact, the interplay of positive and negative space. Curator: A fair point. It certainly invites us to consider how context and historical forces shape the legacy of even the simplest image. Editor: I find myself appreciating the elegance of the line work all the more. It's a study in essential form.