Capital D c. 1527

Curator: Here we have "Capital D," an intriguing piece by an anonymous artist. The work is part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It's such a lovely, miniature universe—so contained, yet bursting with energy! It feels like spring, despite the stark black and white. Curator: These illuminated initials were a common feature in early printed books, weren't they? They marked divisions within the text but also offered a moment of visual delight to the reader. Editor: Exactly! It's like a tiny, rebellious garden taking root within the rigid structure of the page. Those floral patterns are incredibly lively. Curator: It’s fascinating how the visual culture of illuminated manuscripts transitions to the printed page. Editor: Right. To think, someone poured all that attention into a single letter...it's inspiring. I'm leaving with a sense of wonder. Curator: Indeed, a testament to the artistry embedded in the functional.