Letter N c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have "Letter N," an anonymous print from the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a black and white image, and the figures within the "N" seem really burdened. How do you interpret this work? Curator: This initial hints at broader dissemination strategies. These illuminated initials were common, weren't they? What role did prints like these play in shaping public perceptions, perhaps about literacy or religious stories? Editor: That's interesting. So it's not just art, but a tool for spreading ideas? Curator: Precisely. The context of its production and use informs its meaning. Think about who might have seen this. What purpose did it serve? Editor: I never thought about it that way, seeing art as a vehicle for cultural messaging. Thanks! Curator: Of course! It's important to consider the social function of art.