Capital Letter IV c. 16th century

Editor: This ornamented, anonymous "Capital Letter IV" is a fascinating block print, though undated. The black and white contrast is striking. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: I see a convergence of labor and utility. This seemingly decorative initial embodies printmaking's vital role in disseminating information. We must ask, who made the paper, carved the block, and operated the press? Editor: So, you're focusing on the means of production? Curator: Precisely. The material conditions shape its aesthetic and purpose, far beyond mere ornamentation. Editor: I hadn't considered the work involved. It gives me a new appreciation for early printmaking. Curator: Exactly. The labor and materiality inform its cultural significance.