Initial O c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have an anonymous woodcut, simply titled "Initial O," from the Harvard Art Museums. I'm immediately struck by the stark contrast of the black ink against the paper. What visual elements stand out to you? Curator: The composition is primarily defined by the interplay of positive and negative space. Note the circular void delineated by the 'O', within which a dense network of lines creates a secondary image. The border further frames this, solidifying the artwork's self-contained structure. Do you observe any further compositional elements? Editor: The lines inside the "O" seem to converge, creating a sense of depth, even though it's a flat image. I hadn't considered the negative space so deliberately before. Thanks! Curator: Precisely, and this focus on the relationships between lines and shapes, the use of value to create contrast, exemplifies the formalist aesthetic. I'm glad this approach has helped you perceive new layers in the piece.