Letter M c. 16th century

Editor: This woodcut is simply titled "Letter M" and it's by an anonymous artist. It feels crowded with figures and details, and I'm curious about the story it's trying to tell. What do you make of this initial? Curator: Oh, it’s like a peek into another world, isn’t it? An initial is no longer just a letter but an invitation to imagine. Notice how the figures intertwine with the letterform, blurring the line between text and image. It’s all a bit humorous, maybe even a little naughty! What do you think is the artist trying to convey? Editor: I guess maybe the artist is playing with the idea of words coming to life, literally? Curator: Exactly! The letter becomes a stage for human drama, a little world contained within a frame. Think of how manuscripts were illuminated, becoming treasures in themselves. This feels like a playful echo of that tradition. It makes you wonder where this "M" would lead, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely! I'll look at illuminated letters differently now.