Letter T c. 16th century

Editor: We're looking at "Letter T," an anonymous print from the Harvard Art Museums. The stark contrast and intricate detail are striking! What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Consider the process. This is likely a woodcut, a relatively accessible printing method. The labor involved in carving the block, and the subsequent mass production, democratized image dissemination, challenging the elite control of art. Editor: So, it's less about the artistic genius and more about the means of production? Curator: Precisely! The materials—wood, ink, paper—and the social context of their use are central to understanding its significance. What does the imagery itself suggest about its intended audience and purpose? Editor: I never thought of it that way before! Thanks for the insight. Curator: My pleasure. Thinking about art through its production is very enriching.