Letter W in een geornamenteerde omlijsting 17th century

This is an ornamented letter ‘W,’ made as a print by an anonymous artist. The image presents the letterform as both a functional element of language and as a visually striking object. Consider the rise of printmaking in Europe and its impact on literacy and learning. The ‘W’ becomes a decorative object, framed by floral motifs and curling tendrils. The act of embellishing a letter speaks to the cultural value placed on literacy. The circulation of printed materials contributed to the spread of knowledge, but also to the standardization of language. Who had access to these materials, and how did this shape social hierarchies? Where was this print made, and for what purpose? Was it part of a larger alphabet series, or a standalone design? The answers to these questions lie in the archives, where we can piece together the stories behind these intriguing fragments of the past.