Letter G c. 16th century

Editor: This is an initial "G," artist unknown, residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels almost like a secret garden contained within a letter. What kind of cultural memory does this initial evoke for you? Curator: The use of floral motifs intertwined with the letterform speaks volumes. Historically, these illuminated initials often prefaced important texts, imbuing the following words with sacred or noble qualities. Do you see the central plant? Editor: Yes, its symmetry is striking. Is it a specific flower? Curator: Possibly a stylized lily or fleur-de-lis, both symbols associated with purity and royalty. This initial might have signaled the beginning of a significant chapter, perhaps in a book of hours, or a royal decree. The visual language elevates the textual one. Editor: That connection between text and image is fascinating. I’ll definitely be looking at illuminated manuscripts differently now!