Letter Q c. 16th century

Editor: This grid of initial letters, including the "Letter Q," artist unknown, really strikes me. They look like printing blocks, or maybe even tattoo flash sheets. What can you tell me about their purpose? Curator: These letters, now in the Harvard Art Museums, likely served a very practical function initially. Think about the rise of printing and the need for standardized yet decorative type. How might these designs have been perceived and used in their time, beyond their aesthetic appeal? Editor: So, more than just decorative, they were tools shaping visual communication, weren't they? Curator: Precisely. They played a role in democratizing knowledge, influencing everything from religious texts to broadsides. It’s fascinating to consider their impact. Editor: It makes me appreciate the power of accessible art.