Letter S c. 16th century

Editor: We're looking at "Letter S," an initial from an unknown artist. It's a black-and-white print, and the 'S' is interwoven with foliage. It feels really decorative, but also functional, right? What strikes you about this piece? Curator: The labor involved in the woodcut is key. Someone meticulously carved away material to produce these repeating letters. The social context of printmaking – its impact on literacy and knowledge dissemination – is equally important. Was this a commercial venture? Who consumed it, and what did it mean to them? Editor: That’s a good point. I was thinking more about the visual design, but the production process really changes how I see it. Thanks! Curator: Exactly! Considering the means of production reveals the broader cultural impact of even seemingly simple objects.