Initial B c. 16th century

Editor: This woodcut, "Initial B," is by an anonymous artist. It's fascinating how the letterform is both contained and bursting with interwoven lines. What significance do you see in the imagery here? Curator: The interlace pattern within the "B" speaks volumes. It is a powerful symbol, evoking cultural memory of Celtic and Norse art, representing interconnectedness, eternity, and the cyclical nature of life. Do you see how it grounds the letter, rooting it in something ancient and enduring? Editor: I see that now! So it's not just decoration, but a link to deeper meanings. Curator: Precisely. And consider its presence at the beginning of a text—it’s an invocation. The artist isn't merely illustrating; they're channeling a whole tradition, imbuing the word with symbolic weight. Editor: It's amazing how much history can be packed into a single initial. Thanks for illuminating that for me. Curator: My pleasure. It reminds us that even the smallest image can carry the weight of cultural memory.