Letter P c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have "Letter P," an undated woodcut from an anonymous artist. It feels so ornate and contained. What's your take on it? Curator: The decorated initial, especially in printed form, speaks volumes about literacy and the power of the written word in its historical context. The imagery within the letter is part of a larger symbolic vocabulary. How might the image of fruit be used in the era it was made? Editor: Maybe as a symbol of prosperity, considering the effort put into even a single letter? I never considered the political implications of letters. Curator: Exactly! Considering the rise of printmaking and standardized literacy, these letters would have been powerful symbols for different groups and causes at the time. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about. Thanks!