Letter I c. 16th century

Editor: This is an initial, a "Letter I", by an anonymous artist. It's a small block print. The figures seem almost trapped within the letter. What can you tell me about its context? Curator: This letter "I" presents an interesting case study for exploring issues of authorship and accessibility. Its likely origin in early printmaking raises questions about who had access to knowledge and the means of disseminating it. Editor: So, the very existence of this small, seemingly insignificant initial speaks to power dynamics? Curator: Precisely. Consider the figures depicted—who are they meant to represent? And what stories are being subtly told through their inclusion within the letterform itself? It makes you wonder about literacy and audience. Editor: I hadn't considered the social implications embedded within something as simple as a letter. Curator: Exactly! It is a tiny glimpse into a world with very different social structures.