Letter I c. 16th century

Editor: This is "Letter I," created by an anonymous artist. It’s a small, intricate piece. I’m struck by the detail within such a confined space. What aspects of its historical context inform your understanding of it? Curator: Given the imagery – a haloed figure with a chalice, a church in the background – it likely functioned within a religious context, perhaps as part of an illuminated manuscript. Consider how such images reinforced religious doctrine and social order. Does that change your reading of the image? Editor: It does. I hadn't thought about how it would support the Church as an institution. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure. The power of images lies in their ability to shape belief.