Initial A c. 16th century

Editor: So, this is Initial A, by an anonymous artist. It's hard to pin down a date, but the style feels quite classical. It’s so intricate! What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, aren't initials a delightful little universe? This one feels particularly celebratory. Imagine it kicking off a new chapter, a grand adventure perhaps. Do you get a sense of playfulness from the cherubs? Editor: Definitely! They seem to be announcing something important. I hadn't thought of it as the start of an adventure, though. Curator: It’s like the artist is saying, “A…and away we go!” Perhaps we all need a little initial like this to frame our days. Editor: I love that thought. It definitely changes how I look at something that seemed, at first glance, simply decorative.