Letter H c. 16th century

Curator: This is an initial, ornamented "H," from an unknown artist—part of a series of decorated letters here at the Harvard Art Museums. Isn’t it something? Editor: Absolutely! I'm immediately struck by the whimsical tension between the crown and the wolf-like creature. It’s a captivating contrast. Curator: The crown sits atop a field of flowers. Beneath it, a serpent, or perhaps a dragon, rises from a classical vase. What stories might this pairing suggest? Editor: Well, crowns signify power and authority, while serpents often embody transformation and hidden knowledge. I wonder if there's a commentary here on the nature of leadership, a suggestion that true authority requires more than just a crown. Curator: Perhaps. Or maybe the pairing is more personal. The dragon’s vase reminds me that we, like vessels, contain multitudes, from nobility to hidden depths. Editor: It’s remarkable how much symbolic weight can be packed into such a small space. Curator: Right? This letter is more than just an initial; it's a tiny universe of meaning! Editor: A reminder that even the smallest details can hold vast stories.