Letter Q c. 16th century

Curator: This is "Letter Q" by Hans Holbein the Younger. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The density of detail gives me a sense of the artist’s precise vision. The black and white also sets an intriguing tone. Curator: The image is steeped in religious symbolism. Note the figure within the "Q," possibly representing a saint or biblical character. Editor: And the surrounding foliage almost seems to imprison the figure, prompting considerations of societal restrictions in a religious context. Curator: Indeed, Holbein was a master of embedding complex cultural narratives within apparently simple images. Editor: It makes one wonder what conversations this print sparked during its time. A fascinating visual paradox.