Letter Q c. 17th century

Curator: What strikes you immediately about this "Letter Q," by an anonymous artist? Editor: The graphic quality, the strong contrast of the line work. It feels both playful and precise. Curator: This letter Q, residing here at Harvard Art Museums, presents a fascinating study in form. Notice how the artist uses the shape of the Q to frame the figures. Editor: It looks like a depiction of instruction. What strikes me is the relationship between the figures, and the way they are intertwined with the letterform. Who were these images for? Curator: The piece could have been included in primers for young students. A sign of how cultural meaning is constructed. Editor: I agree, and its graphic simplicity makes it all the more compelling to me. Curator: A succinct yet evocative piece. Editor: Exactly.