Initial S c. 16th century

Curator: We’re looking at "Initial S," an anonymous work held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s funny, it feels both bold and delicate at the same time. Like a tiny, secret garden gate made of ink. Curator: Indeed. Observe how the vegetal forms articulate the initial, blurring the distinction between the letter and its ornamentation. Note the stark contrasts. Editor: It's like the alphabet decided to go for a hike in the woods and came back all dressed up. It’s a bit rough around the edges, maybe, but I like that. Curator: Consider the interplay of positive and negative space, creating a dynamic tension that draws the eye, inviting a deeper engagement with the symbolic framework. Editor: It makes me think about how even the smallest things can be so intricately made, so full of life. Someone, somewhere, put so much care into this little letter. Curator: The piece elegantly exemplifies the inherent tension between form and function within design. Editor: It’s a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.