Letter D c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Letter D, an anonymous work, at the Harvard Art Museums. It looks like an initial with these cherubic figures, perhaps made as a woodcut. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see the letterform as a site where power structures are subtly reinforced. Who gets to be represented within these idealized forms? The cherubs, seemingly innocent, may reflect period ideals, excluding diverse bodies and experiences. Editor: So, the artist's choices, even with something as simple as a letter, reflect broader societal biases? Curator: Precisely. Consider who is left out of the visual language of beauty and perfection. How does this impact identity? These are questions to ask. Editor: It's fascinating to think about letters, even from long ago, speaking to contemporary conversations about representation and inclusivity. Curator: Exactly! It's about recognizing the subtle ways art reinforces or challenges power dynamics.