Letter I c. 16th century

Curator: This is a woodcut initial "I" designed by Hans Holbein the Younger. Editor: It’s delightfully dense! The black ink gives a powerful contrast, but I can't immediately tell what those little scenes are. Curator: Holbein's initials often weave small narratives into the letterforms. Notice the imagery around the letter: a shipwreck, broken arches, and what seems to be a serpent. Editor: So, it's about ruin and maybe even temptation? The serpent definitely adds an unsettling layer. It makes you wonder, what story is Holbein telling with this single letter? Curator: Yes, images of decay and warning are interwoven with Christian symbolism. It shows how even a simple letter can hold profound moral and spiritual weight. Editor: It leaves you pondering the impermanence of things – a potent message, especially given the density of such a tiny space.