Letter T c. 16th century

Curator: This is the woodcut "Letter T" by Anton Woensam von Worms, an artist active before 1500. It is held in the collections of the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first impression? Quaint! The cherubic figure hammering away inside the letter, a tiny world being built. Curator: Indeed, these initial letters were often part of larger illuminated manuscripts or early printed books, acting as decorative elements at the start of a chapter. Editor: It's hard to imagine our hyper-digital world stemming from such painstakingly handcrafted pieces. Look at that thick, unwavering outline—so decisive! Curator: Woensam likely aimed to elevate the status of the letter, bridging the gap between the sacred tradition of illumination and the burgeoning technology of printing. Editor: Well, mission accomplished! It turns something as mundane as a letter into a little scene, a snapshot of early industriousness. Curator: A truly fascinating glimpse into the cultural landscape of its time, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely, makes me want to get hammering myself.