Decorated Roman alphabet 1485 - 1499

This anonymous woodcut from the late 15th century is an example of a decorated Roman alphabet. The letter 'N' is surrounded by intricate floral motifs, including a stylized flower, while a small animal, possibly a hedgehog, sits at the bottom of the letter. The design's complexity, intricate detail, and combination of animal and botanical elements are characteristic of the period's artistic trends. The woodcut, now held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, is a testament to the skill of anonymous artists who were crucial in the development of printing techniques.