Initial M c. 16th century

Editor: So, this is a print called "Initial M" by an anonymous artist, housed here at Harvard. It's a bold letterform, pretty striking. What do you make of it? Curator: Ah, the humble initial! Yet, brimming with possibility. I see the artist playing with negative space, almost daring the black ink to overwhelm the letter. Notice the almost secret botanical detail, fighting its way through the M like a vine. Makes you wonder what stories, what names, this initial once prefaced. Editor: It does have a hidden quality. I hadn't noticed the botanical details at first. Curator: It's like a miniature world held within a letter. Makes you think about the power of beginnings, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely a fresh perspective. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! There is always so much to discover.