Initial Q c. 16th century

Curator: This small woodcut print, titled “Initial Q,” features a bird nestled within the letter, surrounded by text. It strikes me as stark and medieval. Editor: Indeed, the bold, graphic quality speaks to the labor involved in its creation. Who was producing these illuminated initials, and for what purpose? Curator: That is unknown; it’s currently credited to an anonymous maker. However, the surrounding Latin script, which translates to "in the law of justice," suggests a context rooted in early legal or religious texts. Editor: The bird itself—perhaps a phoenix?—could symbolize rebirth and justice within that context. But I'm also curious about the socioeconomic implications. Was this part of a larger printmaking enterprise? Curator: Likely so, allowing for wider distribution of knowledge, but still controlled by certain societal structures. Editor: It's a potent little piece, provoking questions about both individual artistry and the broader forces at play in its making. Curator: Precisely, the materiality speaks volumes about the social landscape.