Letter A 1497

Curator: We're looking at a piece titled "Letter A," an anonymous work held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It strikes me as both ornate and slightly menacing, like an invitation into a dark fairytale. Curator: The composition is quite compelling. Notice how the interwoven floral motifs contrast with the stark geometry of the letterform. Editor: Right, and the black and white contrast gives it a dramatic, almost woodcut feel. I wonder about the hand that carved this, the story behind the initial. Curator: Indeed, the absence of the artist’s identity enhances the abstraction, allowing for multiple interpretations. Editor: It is true; the lack of an identifiable author frees us up to dream a bit. Curator: A very apt observation; it seems we’ve both found something to appreciate in this enigmatic "A." Editor: It is an interesting start, isn't it? A good reminder to stay open to the stories an artwork can tell.