Initial G c. 16th century

Editor: This is a woodcut print of the letter "G," called "Initial G," by an anonymous artist. The blocky graphic nature of it almost feels like a stamp. What symbols do you see in this work? Curator: The "G," ornamented with vegetal forms, evokes the medieval illuminated manuscript tradition, where each letter was a portal into a sacred text. Do you see how the initial almost cradles the organic forms? Editor: Yes, it's almost protecting them. It's interesting that such a small image could contain so much. Curator: It speaks to the power of symbols; even a single letter can be a vessel of cultural memory. It reminds me how much history can be embedded in the smallest of images. Editor: I never thought about letters holding so much meaning. Thanks for making me see that.