Letter D c. 15th century

Editor: Here we have an anonymous woodcut print titled "Letter D" from Harvard Art Museums. It's so detailed, almost like it's illuminated. What can you tell me about its historical relevance? Curator: Well, consider the democratization of knowledge during the rise of the printing press. Images like this "D" weren't just decorative; they signaled a shift in power. Who had access to information, and how was it being disseminated? Editor: So, the artistry is also political in a way? Curator: Precisely. The choice of ornamentation, the style of the letter – it all speaks to the values and priorities of the society producing and consuming these images. What do you make of the floral motifs? Editor: I hadn't thought of them as symbolic until now, but they certainly add another layer to the initial impression. Curator: Exactly. Reflect on how something as simple as a letter can tell a story about cultural transformation and societal values.