Letter Q c. 16th century

Curator: Today, we're looking at a piece called "Letter Q," created by an anonymous artist, currently housed in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Oh, it's so intricate! I love how the letter itself becomes a frame for this little world of swirling flora. It feels medieval, like a glimpse into an illuminated manuscript. Curator: Exactly. Consider the means of production. This was likely part of a larger series, perhaps for printing. The labor involved in creating such detailed, repeatable designs is significant. Editor: There's a real tension between the rigid structure of the letter and the wildness of the ornamentation. It makes me wonder about the artist's intention—did they embrace or resist those constraints? Curator: Well, without knowing who produced it, it is hard to tell for sure. But that is what makes this piece so engaging. It is up for the viewer to wonder. Editor: Precisely, I found this brief encounter with "Q" quite stimulating. Curator: Indeed, thinking about artistic labor is always rewarding.