Initial S c. 16th century

Editor: This is "Initial S," created by an anonymous artist. It's a small black and white image, dominated by the letter "S", but ornamented with flourishes and even a face! What do you make of it? Curator: It's like the artist has given the letter S a little personality, hasn't it? I find these illuminated initials utterly charming—they’re like tiny portals into another world. Editor: A portal? Curator: Imagine the scribe, pausing to pour imagination into this single letter. It’s not just an "S," but a secret, a little visual poem. Editor: I never thought about it that way. It feels much more alive now. Curator: Exactly!