Letters C and D 15th-16th century

Curator: Here we have "Letters C and D," an intriguing work by an anonymous artist, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My initial impression is one of ornate detail. Look at the weaving on the left side of each letter; it is a very tactile quality. Curator: Absolutely. This level of detail speaks volumes about the history of printing and the significance of typography in early modern society. The letters themselves become symbols of status and education. Editor: And the labor that went into creating the matrix for this print! The patience required to carve those intricate designs into the block is something to admire. Curator: The print served a vital educational function, spreading literacy and standardizing written communication across broader populations. These letters become more than mere forms. Editor: I agree. This work really highlights the inherent human element in what we often overlook as a purely functional object. It's a celebration of craft. Curator: Yes, and how our reading habits were shaped and molded by these very images. Editor: It makes me think about how digital typography will be perceived hundreds of years from now.