3-041-722 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Guide for Constructing the Letters h and i; Mira calligraphiae monumenta, about 1591-1596. Additional Info: This guide to the construction of the lower-case letters h and i faces the page containing the letters f and g. A fanciful mask dominates the center of the page. A lush cornucopia arises from the top of the mask, and long-necked birds attack from both sides. A furry lap dog beneath an elaborate canopy occupies the lower border, serenely unaware of the scene above. The dog may have symbolic meaning as an embodiment of pure Christian faithfulness.