Letter P c. 16th century

Editor: This is an anonymous print titled "Letter P" from the Harvard Art Museums. It's a blocky letter "P" surrounded by leaves, vines and a little figure. What symbols or cultural touchstones do you see in this piece? Curator: The letter "P," especially when illuminated like this, often signified the beginning of a sacred text or important passage. The child, surrounded by nature, embodies innocence and the potential for growth, a visual echo of the flourishing letter. It serves as a cultural memory, linking literacy to the natural world and the human spirit. Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn't considered the link between the letter and the beginning of something new. Curator: Yes, and the imagery reminds us that even simple forms can hold multiple layers of meaning, resonating across generations.