Letter A c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have an initial "A," simply titled Letter A, by an anonymous artist. It's a small, intricate woodcut, and the stark contrast gives it such a dramatic feel! What stories do you think it whispers? Curator: Whispers, yes! I see echoes of metamorphosis, the human form entwined with the bestial, the swan's wing a gesture, perhaps, of transformative flight. Consider the period, where such hybrid forms might represent the alchemical process of refinement. What "A" words come to mind? Editor: Alchemy, absolutely! And maybe aspiration? It’s intriguing that the artist is unknown. Curator: Precisely! Perhaps they considered the work a craft, not necessarily art, a labor of love to illuminate words. Now, what new avenues of thought has our "A" opened for you? Editor: I'm seeing the beauty in the functional! Curator: A perfect place to begin, wouldn't you agree?