Letter E c. 1549

Curator: Here we have "Letter E," an anonymous work held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has a rather whimsical mood, don't you think? The composition feels quite balanced, even with the creature clinging to the letter. Curator: The letterform itself provides a stable structure, around which the ornamental details and the winged figure find their place. The engraver's line creates texture. Editor: That winged figure is striking. It reminds me of Eros, a symbol of love and perhaps a touch of divine inspiration being brought to the letter. Curator: The figure's integration directly into the 'E' underscores the interplay between form and image. It seems to challenge the very purpose of the letter itself. Editor: I see a blending of classical mythology with the alphabet itself, bringing a certain weight of cultural history to the letter 'E.' It speaks to how we imbue language with so much meaning. Curator: Indeed. It is a fascinating example of how graphic elements can be both functional and profoundly meaningful. Editor: A lasting testament to the power of symbols, certainly.