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Collections

Unknown
Seventeen Ornamental Letters (I, M, N, R, S)published 1606-1609, 1620-1621

Not on view
Woodcut print of an ornamental initial letter 'I' surrounded by a decorative border with putti, draped figures, candelabra columns, hanging garlands, and scrolling foliage
Woodcut or engraving of an ornate decorated initial letter M, featuring a winged putto at center, flanked by two rampant lions, with scrolling acanthus foliage and a grotesque mask at the base.
Woodcut historiated initial letter N with ornamental border of intertwined snakes and oval medallions; a winged creature perches at upper right while a reclining animal figure occupies the lower compartment, rendered in fine hatched lines.
Woodcut ornamental initial letters 'RC' enclosed in a decorative border, with a nude male figure seated within the R, bearded male heads at left and within the C, and densely interlaced acanthus scrolls, vases, and foliage filling the surround.
Woodcut printed initial letter S, elaborately decorated with a winged female figure emerging from the upper curve, a sword and armor at center, flanking fruit trees, rabbits at the base, and acanthus scrollwork border.
```json { "altText": "Woodcut initial letter "I" surrounded by ornate grotesque decoration, with two putti or satyr figures flanking the letter amid dense scrolling acanthus foliage, pendant garlands, and a small face at the top center, printed in black on cream paper." } ```
Woodcut historiated initial letter N with fine black-line engraving; a winged creature perches at upper right within the letter, a reclining figure with foliage sits at lower left, and ornate borders of interlaced serpents, oval medallions, and pendant tassels frame the composition on cream paper.
Woodcut or engraving of an ornamental initial letter R, decorated with scrolling acanthus foliage, human figures nestled within the letterform, grotesque masks, and a vase finial at top.
Woodcut historiated initial letter I, flanked symmetrically by two reclining figures amid scrolling foliage, candelabra, and hanging garlands, with a winged face at the top center, printed in black on cream paper
Woodcut historiated initial letter N with ornamental border of interlaced strapwork and tassels; two fantastical hybrid creatures with animal bodies and horned heads fill the background, one reclining below and one leaping above, rendered in fine hatched lines.
Woodcut or engraving of an ornamental capital letter R, with a small nude figure, foliate scrollwork, a vase, and a bearded face medallion integrated into the decorative surround, printed on cream paper.
Woodcut initial letter 'I' surrounded by ornate Renaissance grotesque decoration, with two reclining figures flanking the letter, a cherub face at top center, and scrolling foliage and candelabra motifs filling the border.
Woodcut decorated initial letter 'I' flanked by symmetrical grotesque figures with hybrid human-animal lower bodies, entwined in scrolling acanthus foliage; a winged mask appears at the top center, with cornucopia and candelabra elements at each upper corner.
Woodcut printed initial letter "I" surrounded by ornate Renaissance grotesque decoration, with two putti flanking the letter, a cherub face at the top, and scrolling foliage, printed in black ink on cream paper
Woodcut historiated initial letter N, with two figures and fantastical creatures filling the interior; border decorated with serpentine columns, tassels, and pendant jewels; fine hatched linework on cream paper.
Woodcut decorated initial letter N with fine hatched lines; a wild man or satyr crouches at lower center and a lion climbs the diagonal stroke, surrounded by foliage, pendant jewels, and interlaced chain borders.
Woodcut decorated initial letter N with fine-line engraving; a winged creature perches atop the letter while a reclining figure plays a wind instrument below, surrounded by foliage, scrollwork, and pendant ornaments in the border.
Artist or Maker
Unknown
Title
Seventeen Ornamental Letters (I, M, N, R, S)
Place Made
Germany
Date Made
published 1606-1609, 1620-1621
Medium
Woodcut
Dimensions
Sheet: 2 x 1 7/8 in. (5.08 x 4.76 cm) each
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Salzer
Accession Number
53.31.2.5a-q
Classification
Prints
Collecting Area
Prints and Drawings