Initial M c. 16th century

Curator: This woodcut, titled "Initial M" is by Ambrosius Holbein. Editor: Its immediate visual impact lies in its stark contrast and the dense, almost claustrophobic composition within the letterform itself. Curator: Indeed, these initial letters served a vital function. Consider the role of illuminated manuscripts in shaping knowledge dissemination before widespread printing. Editor: Focusing on the materiality, the heavy lines and the texture created by the woodcut technique give it a tactile quality despite its diminutive size. The eye is drawn to the interplay of positive and negative space. Curator: The letter itself, as a signifier, becomes a landscape, reflecting the cultural value placed on literacy and the power of the written word. Editor: Ultimately, it reveals the artist's mastery in condensing narrative and form within such a restricted structural framework. Curator: A powerful symbol, reduced to its most essential elements, and made accessible to all.