Letter I (?) c. 16th century

Curator: This artwork, held in the Harvard Art Museums, is titled "Letter I (?)," and it’s by an anonymous artist. Editor: My first impression is its striking use of negative space and the high contrast pulls my focus immediately. Curator: It’s a print, likely intended for use in a larger publication, perhaps an illuminated manuscript or a decorative initial in a book. Editor: The floral motifs and stylized imagery evoke the pre-industrial era and call attention to the labour of craftsmanship before mechanization. Curator: The letter "I," if that is what it is, becomes secondary to the overall decorative effect. One wonders about the original context of this print. Editor: Absolutely. This work reminds us that even seemingly simple designs carry deep histories and cultural meanings of labor and class. Curator: Indeed, a powerful message in this small, unassuming artwork. Editor: Agreed, it certainly leaves one thinking.