Letter I 1572

Editor: Here we have the block print "Letter I" by an anonymous artist. The linework is incredible! What statements about literacy and learning in society do you think this piece makes? Curator: The image immediately positions literacy as a pursuit of the learned, likely wealthy, classes. Consider the setting: the scholar indoors, surrounded by books, in contrast to an illiterate peasant working outdoors. Editor: So, it's about access to knowledge and the privilege that comes with it? Curator: Exactly. The image becomes a commentary on the social hierarchies reinforced by literacy and its control. What do you make of the detail in the scholar's clothing? Editor: That the scholar has access to finer materials, making the social commentary even more evident. Thanks for sharing that perspective! Curator: My pleasure. I've found it helpful to analyze the historical role of the image in shaping social perceptions.