Initial letter S with putto 1533 - 1540

This woodcut, "Initial letter S with putto", created by Heinrich Vogtherr the Elder between 1533 and 1540, exemplifies the intricate detail and artistic flourishes of Renaissance-era letterforms. The letter "S" is intricately woven with a winged putto and a sinuous dragon, creating a dynamic composition. The piece, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Vogtherr's mastery of the woodcut medium and his skill in depicting both human and mythical creatures with great detail. This miniature work of art was likely intended for use as a decorative element in a larger manuscript or printed publication.