Letter P c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have an anonymous block print, "Letter P," from an unknown date, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The ornamentation is really striking! What can you tell me about the historical context of initial letters like this one? Curator: Well, these decorated initials were often used to mark the beginnings of chapters or important passages, particularly in illuminated manuscripts. They served not only an aesthetic purpose but also a functional one, guiding the reader. Editor: So it's about visual cues within a specific cultural object. Were there specific meanings associated with the floral designs? Curator: Potentially! Floral motifs often carried symbolic weight, referencing religious or societal values. Consider the role of institutions like the church in commissioning and controlling the dissemination of knowledge. Editor: I hadn't thought about that. Thanks for shedding light on its place in society! Curator: Of course! Thinking about art as a social practice truly enriches our understanding.