Initial V c. 15th century

Curator: Here we have "Initial V," a small print, artist unknown, from the Harvard Art Museums. Its stark black and white contrast grabs your attention immediately. Editor: Indeed. There's a buoyant, almost mischievous quality to the cherubs frolicking around the letter. One even seems to be carrying a theatrical mask. Curator: The V itself, structurally, is brilliant. It's not just a letter; it's a stage, a frame, supporting and containing these figures, unifying the composition. Editor: They do seem to be performing some symbolic function. The child aloft on the V surely evokes notions of triumph, while the mask suggests the duality of human nature. Curator: Observe how the engraver uses line weight and texture to differentiate the planes. The background foliage contrasts beautifully with the smooth skin of the cherubs. Editor: The image is dense with youthful energy—perhaps alluding to the vitality that a 'V' word might signify, like vigor or virtue. Curator: Ultimately, it's a sophisticated interplay between form and figure, a testament to the skill of an anonymous artist. Editor: A playful yet profound exploration of beginnings, wrapped up in a single letter.