Letters L and M c. 16th century

Curator: The Harvard Art Museums present to you, Letters L and M, by an anonymous artist. Editor: My first thought is how these letters transcend pure utility; they’re bursting with symbolic meaning, little worlds in themselves. Curator: Indeed. Look closely at the detailed craftsmanship. The anonymous artisan used complex production methods to transform these letters into ornate displays, far exceeding the basic function of conveying language. Editor: Precisely! The figures—cherubs, faces, beasts—act as visual cues, enriching the letters with layers of cultural and perhaps even psychological significance. Curator: Consider the consumption of this piece. How would someone interact with this design? Would it adorn a grand hall, maybe a book for the elite? Editor: It’s hard not to see the owl as a symbol of wisdom; the cherubs, innocence. These elements, blended with the letters, offer a narrative beyond mere alphabets. Curator: It’s remarkable how process and intention elevated these letters from the ordinary to exceptional pieces. Editor: A beautiful blend of artistry and cultural encoding! It really makes one ponder the power of images.