Letter I c. 16th century

Curator: This woodcut, known as Letter I, resides in the Harvard Art Museums. It's anonymous, but let's delve into its symbolic world. Editor: The dense, intricate linework is striking. The composition feels incredibly full, almost bursting at the seams of that initial "I". Curator: Indeed. The image is bisected by the letter, with Jesus, surrounded by apostles, on the left, and Mary, the Virgin, holding the Christ Child, on the right. This division suggests the duality of earthly and divine realms. Editor: I see that, and the stark contrast created by the dense hatching really emphasizes the weightiness of the subject matter. Curator: The chalice held by Jesus hints at the Eucharist, while Mary symbolizes purity and maternal love. These images trigger strong memories and cultural meanings. Editor: It’s fascinating how such a simple form – a letter – can contain such a wealth of narrative and emotion, beautifully rendered through the artist's careful control of line and form. Curator: Absolutely. The image embodies the enduring power of visual symbols to convey complex spiritual ideas. Editor: It leaves me contemplating how much a single image can reveal when we truly look.