Initial letter T with putto 1533 - 1540

This woodcut, created between 1533 and 1540 by Heinrich Vogtherr the Elder, is a fine example of a historiated initial. The letter “T” is surrounded by a vibrant, detailed composition featuring a putto wrestling a dragon, with the putto’s arm appearing to emerge from the stem of the letter “T”. The intricate detail of the dragon’s scales and the putto’s clothing, along with the complex composition of the surrounding foliage, showcases the artist's skill and the artistic mastery of this period. This particular work is located in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The woodcut is a prime example of the artistic style and craft of the early 16th century.