Letter O c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have an intriguing image of the letter "O" by an anonymous artist, found at the Harvard Art Museums. I'm curious about the intricate details of this piece. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Considering the material and the likely process of printmaking, we must think about the labor involved in the carving of the block. The artist’s meticulous work translates to multiples. How might this accessibility have affected its original reception? Editor: So, you're saying that the printmaking process democratized the image? Curator: Exactly! This piece underscores the transformative power of reproducible media. I never thought about it that way before. Editor: Yes, looking at the role of art in a wider, more accessible context makes you rethink it.