Letter R 15th-16th century

Editor: This beautiful illuminated "Letter R" at the Harvard Art Museums, by an anonymous artist, features intricate orange and white patterns. What historical narratives do you see embedded in this piece? Curator: Well, considering the pre-printing press era, the labor involved speaks volumes. It highlights the power dynamics of literacy and access to knowledge. Who was commissioning and consuming these texts? Editor: So, it's not just a pretty letter, but a symbol of social stratification? Curator: Precisely! And given the frequent religious context of such illuminations, how did this craftsmanship reinforce or challenge the dominant religious narratives of the time? Editor: I never considered how much power a single letter could hold. Curator: It's a testament to art's ability to embody complex social and political realities, even within seemingly simple forms.