Letter H c. 16th century

Curator: This is "Letter H," an intriguing example of an initial letter from an unknown hand, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Striking! There's a density to the design, a certain weight, and the stark black ink gives it a real graphic punch. Curator: Indeed. Notice the cherubic figure nestled within the upper portion, a symbol rife with religious and secular associations. It might suggest innocence, divine love, or even classical ideals depending on its context. Editor: And below, a vase overflowing with foliage. The composition and its various elements evoke the intricate woodcuts that accompanied early printed texts. One wonders about the intended audience and the cultural values such imagery reinforced. Curator: Precisely. These images were powerful tools. The choice of symbols, the styles adopted... it all contributes to a deeper understanding of the period’s intellectual landscape. Editor: It's remarkable how a single letter can encapsulate so much! It really is a window into cultural history.