Initial Q c. 16th century

Editor: This is an anonymous piece, simply titled "Initial Q," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. I'm struck by how such a small, unassuming print could have been so important in its time. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: It’s interesting to consider the public role of such imagery. Who was producing these initials, and for what purpose? Were they meant for religious texts, or something more secular? The politics of imagery are always at play, even with something that seems as simple as a letter. Editor: So, the social function really shapes how we view even abstract forms like this? Curator: Exactly. How were these images disseminated, and how did their meaning shift depending on the viewer and context? That’s what truly fascinates me. Editor: That makes me appreciate the role these “small” artworks played in a bigger societal picture.