Head- or Tail-piece c. 16th century

Curator: This intriguing, small print from the Harvard Art Museums is titled "Head- or Tail-piece," by an anonymous artist. It's so delicate. Editor: There's a melancholic feel to the graphic elements – those drooping tassels, the stark contrast... It evokes a sense of endings. Curator: Yes! The composition, with its symmetrical balance and intricate, almost gothic detailing, does suggest a formal conclusion. The central oval design feels like a contained world. Editor: Exactly. And the stylized tree within the oval, rendered so meticulously, emphasizes a cycle of growth and decay, fitting for its placement at a textual end. Curator: It's curious how something so small can speak volumes about life's larger patterns. Editor: Indeed. Even without knowing the specific date or artist, the print communicates enduring themes with striking clarity.