Letter Q c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have Letter Q, by an anonymous artist. It seems to be a woodcut. It's so intricate! How should we think about this piece? Curator: Consider the labor involved in carving such detail into wood. This isn't just decoration; it's a testament to craft. What societal role did these prints play, and how were they consumed? Editor: So, less about aesthetics and more about production and use? Curator: Precisely. How does the availability of printed materials affect literacy and dissemination of knowledge at the time? How does it blur the line between art and craft? Editor: Fascinating! Thinking about it as a product of labor changes everything. Curator: Indeed. It's about unpacking the social and economic forces behind its making.