Letter M c. 16th century

Curator: What we have here is an initial, "Letter M," by an anonymous artist, held in the collections of the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s arresting. The stark black and white contrast creates a visual tension, and the intertwining floral motifs soften the rigid form of the letter itself. Curator: Indeed, the piece likely served a decorative or functional purpose within a larger manuscript or printed text. The use of initials like these was widespread. Editor: It speaks to the democratization of art, doesn't it? Everyday imagery infused into even the most mundane documents. Curator: That's an interesting perspective. I'm intrigued by the artist's compositional choices—the placement of floral elements creates a balanced whole, guiding the eye through the letter's form. Editor: Its simple yet striking design reveals how art shapes literacy and vice versa. It's a beautiful, silent witness to a world of readers and writers. Curator: A fascinating piece, offering layers of insight into the historical book and print culture.