Head- or Tail-piece c. 16th century

Curator: This is an anonymous work, titled "Head- or Tail-piece," currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has a certain dark elegance, doesn't it? The stark contrast and dense linework create a sense of restrained energy. Curator: Indeed. These types of floral designs often served as decorative elements in books, subtly hinting at themes of growth, knowledge, or even mortality depending on the specific flowers depicted. Editor: I'm drawn to the vase itself. Its rounded form and the small flower motif upon it provide a grounding element amidst the more chaotic floral arrangement above. There is a distinct sense of balance. Curator: It is fascinating how the anonymous artist used such stylized forms. Consider the iris, often a symbol of royalty or sorrow. Its inclusion can indicate deeper cultural narratives. Editor: And I find the density of the black lines fascinating. Almost like an optical illusion, with the white spaces creating as much form as the black lines themselves. Curator: Pondering its purpose, it’s a small window into a world where even the page's edge told a story. Editor: A thoughtful little piece; it invites us to find meaning in the structure as well as its symbolic content.