Letter A c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have "Letter A," by an anonymous artist. It appears to be a woodcut print. It has this wonderfully textured look, almost like it's been worn down with age. What stands out to you about this piece? Curator: Considering its anonymous nature, I see a commentary on authorship and the democratization of knowledge. How does the letter "A," the beginning, function as a symbol within systems of power and access to information? Editor: That's a really interesting perspective. I was just thinking about it as a simple design. Curator: Think about the historical context of early printing and literacy. Who had access to these beautifully decorated letters, and what did that signify about their social standing? Editor: So, it's not just about the letter itself, but about who could read it and the power that literacy held. I never considered that. Thanks! Curator: Exactly! Art often holds layers of meaning beyond the immediately visible.