Letter V c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have a rather curious woodcut print titled "Letter V" by an anonymous artist at the Harvard Art Museums. It has a medieval, almost gothic feel to it. What do you make of the figure nestled within the letter itself? Curator: Well, aren't they cozy! It looks like a little putto, doesn't it? Perhaps an angel or a cupid, embraced by the letter, like a secret symbol. It’s as if the letter itself is brought to life. I wonder, does the "V" stand for victory, virtue, or maybe even vanity? Editor: Vanity! That's an interesting read, given the figure's slightly smug expression. I hadn't considered that. Curator: Or could it simply be a decorative element, a playful initial? The lack of context allows our imagination to run wild, which is my favorite aspect of art! Editor: Absolutely! It’s amazing how much one letter can evoke. I'll never look at typography the same way again.