Initial I c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an Initial I from an unknown artist, held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has a kind of chaotic beauty, doesn't it? Like a tiny world packed into one letter. Curator: Indeed. Notice how the anonymous artist uses densely packed figures and foliage to construct a vibrant tableau around the letterform. Editor: The eye doesn't quite know where to land! Cherubs brandishing flags and instruments...is that a tiny lion cub? It's like a carnival crammed into a square inch. Curator: The heavy lines create a strong contrast, defining the forms despite the intricate details. It’s a masterclass in visual organization, really. Editor: It feels almost playful, a reminder that even something as functional as a letter can hold so much imagination. Curator: Absolutely. It’s a little window into the creative spirit of the past. Editor: It’s lovely to see how much meaning can be contained within such a small frame.