Initial P c. 16th century

Curator: This is an anonymous woodcut titled "Initial P," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The stark black and white gives it a striking, almost severe quality, despite the delicate foliage within the letterform. Curator: Indeed. This image likely served a functional purpose, perhaps as part of a larger printed text. Think of the labor involved in carving the block, the production of the ink, the mechanics of the press. Editor: And its historical context! Imagine it appearing in a publication, shaping public discourse, or solidifying institutional narratives through the written word. Who commissioned it and what message did they intend to convey? Curator: Excellent point. The interplay between craft, intention, and broader societal forces is key. It makes you wonder who made it and under what conditions. Editor: It is a potent reminder that even small, seemingly simple artworks are products of complex historical and material circumstances.