Initial H c. 16th century

Editor: We're looking at "Initial H," an anonymous print from the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a bold, graphic letter, and I’m struck by its simplicity. What can you tell me about the context of this work? Curator: Consider how the accessibility of printed letters like this democratized knowledge. Before, elaborate initials were the domain of illuminated manuscripts, restricted to elites. How might this small, mass-produced image have altered social hierarchies and the perception of information? Editor: So, this unassuming print actually represents a shift in power dynamics? Curator: Precisely. It’s a testament to how art, even in its most functional forms, can reshape society and challenge established norms. I hadn't thought about it that way before. Editor: It is so interesting to see this perspective!