Letter V c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have "Letter V", an anonymous print held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It looks like a woodcut, doesn't it? The stark contrast and clear lines give it a striking boldness, almost like a brand. Curator: Precisely. Consider the historical context: these initial letters were often used to mark the beginning of chapters, signaling authority and tradition, particularly within religious or legal texts. Editor: And the labor involved! Carving away all that wood to leave the letter and decorative flourishes... the artist had to have a clear vision of positive and negative space. The quality of the print, even from an unknown hand, speaks to the craft. Curator: Absolutely. And consider the act of distributing these prints! They provided accessibility to literacy and knowledge for broader audiences. Editor: Yes, looking at the materials and labor helps us see the social web in which this single letter participates. Curator: It offers a valuable look into the systems of power and knowledge distribution that have shaped our world. Editor: It's amazing to think about the human effort embodied in this small print, from the carving to the distribution.