Letter V c. 16th century

Editor: This is an anonymous woodcut, called "Letter V" housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's just so striking how the floral elements intertwine with the letterform, creating this little garden. What do you make of the contrast between the boldness of the "V" and the delicacy of the flowers? Curator: It makes me think about the nature of beginnings. The letter V, a point of divergence, is softened and made fertile by the surrounding flora. It's like potential energy waiting to bloom! Do you think the artist intended to express something about growth and possibility? Editor: I hadn't considered that, but it totally fits. It's like the letter "V" is the strong foundation for growth. Curator: Exactly! It's a reminder that even within structure, nature finds a way to flourish. I find beauty in the imperfections of the woodcut and love the idea of finding structure within the unknown. Editor: It’s amazing how much meaning can be packed into a simple letter. Thanks for sharing your insights! Curator: The pleasure was all mine. It's a delightful piece to ponder.