Initial Q c. 16th century

Curator: This is "Initial Q," an anonymous piece from the Harvard Art Museums collection. There's no specific date attached to it. Editor: It strikes me as intricate. The black and white contrast is so stark, and the detail is really captivating for something so small. Curator: Precisely. These decorated initials were commonly used to mark the beginning of chapters or important passages in printed books, becoming little markers of power and knowledge. Editor: So, beyond pure decoration, they functioned as almost a symbolic gateway into the text, perhaps underscoring the exclusivity of literacy in its time? Access to knowledge was hardly democratized. Curator: Exactly! And consider the labor involved, even in a reproduced image. These small details reflected the power dynamics inherent in disseminating information. Editor: It is a small but potent reminder that every aspect of culture is steeped in history and social context. Curator: Indeed. Even a single letter tells a story.