Letter M c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have an initial "M" by an anonymous artist. It's a very intricate design. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The interplay between positive and negative space dictates our reading of the letter. Note the careful execution of line and form; the density of the black background throws the elaborate letter forward. Editor: So it's about the shapes and how they interact more than the meaning of "M"? Curator: Precisely. The artist's objective isn't literal representation, but exploration of form and balance. Consider how the texture of the background enhances the smooth, flowing lines of the letter itself. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. I was so focused on trying to decode the letter. Curator: It's a lesson in seeing beyond immediate subject matter to appreciate the formal elements at play.