Letter H c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have "Letter H," an intriguing anonymous work at the Harvard Art Museums. What catches your eye first? Editor: The raw, almost frantic energy—it feels like a secret society's emblem, doesn't it? All those figures crammed into the letter's form. Curator: It’s fascinating how the anonymous artist uses the letter "H" as a structural device, dividing scenes with distinct emotional registers. The upper register evokes anxiety, maybe even threat. Editor: While below, there’s a feeling of supplication, or desperate hope—the kneeling figure seems to be pleading, next to what looks like an alchemical still. There's a dark undercurrent, even with the formality of the letter. Curator: Perhaps it speaks to the dual nature of the letter itself. H as in Heaven? H as in Hell? Both are contained within this tiny, powerful image. Editor: Right, it's like a miniature stage for human drama, rendered in stark black and white. I appreciate its stark honesty, almost a brutal snapshot. Curator: Indeed, a glimpse into a world of heightened emotion, cleverly masked by the unassuming form of a letter. Editor: Makes you want to write a whole novel, doesn't it? It's remarkable how much can be suggested in such a small space.