Letter C c. 15th century

Curator: We’re looking at an ornamented initial, “Letter C,” an anonymous work in the collection of the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's got this medieval, illuminated manuscript vibe, doesn't it? Sort of rough-hewn, but still with a delicate floral motif. It makes me wonder who was the first person to see this letter? Curator: Someone beginning to read a chapter, no doubt. The letter "C" isn't merely decorative; it's functional, marking a textual division, possibly within a religious text or historical chronicle. Think about who controlled access to books then. Editor: Yeah, I can see that. It’s fascinating how something so small can be so imbued with power. It’s like a tiny, ornate gatekeeper! I find myself imagining all the stories and secrets this letter "C" has introduced. Curator: Precisely. Even now, digital typography is political. Who gets to read, what gets read, it's all mediated. These small acts of creation have far-reaching implications. Editor: Agreed. And considering its anonymity, it makes you think about all the untold stories behind the art we see. A beautiful mystery.