Initial letter S 1490s

This anonymous woodcut, likely created in the 1490s, showcases the letter "S" intricately entwined with a decorative floral motif. The intricate design, featuring stylized leaves and flowers, reflects the flourishing of the Gothic style during this period. Such illuminated initials were commonly used in manuscripts and printed books to enhance their aesthetic appeal and denote the beginning of a new section. This particular example, now held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serves as a testament to the enduring influence of medieval art on the printed word.