Letter D c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have "Letter D," an anonymous print residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Its stark black and white contrast is immediately striking. Editor: It feels quite medieval, almost like something extracted from an illuminated manuscript, hinting at a historical moment when literacy was power, carefully guarded and controlled. Curator: I'm drawn to the details of the printmaking process itself—the texture of the lines, the wear on the block, and how these imperfections speak to the labor involved in creating reproducible imagery. Editor: Absolutely, and thinking about its utility, this 'D' likely marked the beginning of something important, perhaps a decree or a sacred text. It’s a gateway into understanding societal structures and the dissemination of knowledge. Curator: It’s easy to see it as purely functional, but the floral ornamentation also elevates it, complicating any simple dichotomy between the functional and the aesthetic. Editor: Precisely. The choice of flora could have symbolic weight as well, perhaps representing growth, life, or specific cultural values tied to the letter 'D' and its associated words. Curator: Considering this piece, I am reminded how the intersection of craft and art often reveals the means by which meaning is constructed. Editor: For me, this single letter encapsulates complex questions of power, access, and the enduring influence of historical narratives.