Letters J and K c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have "Letters J and K," a fascinating print from an unknown artist, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Oh, these are magnificent! So theatrical and playful; the letters are really alive with tiny figures clambering all over them! Curator: Absolutely. Notice how these aren’t just letters, but miniature worlds populated with human figures, grotesques, and swirling ornamentation. It shows us how letters, even in isolation, could carry a whole universe of meaning. Editor: I love that the letters themselves become these intricate structures, almost like stage sets. Curator: Yes, the 'J' almost resembles a classical pillar, and the 'K' feels like a fortress. I imagine viewers in earlier eras really understood how much symbolic weight letters could carry. Editor: It's a beautiful reminder that even the smallest details can be brimming with life and imagination. Curator: Indeed, it offers a peek into a world where letters aren't just functional, but vibrant characters.