Guide For Constructing The Letters H And I; Mira Calligraphiae Monumenta

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. Creator: Joris Hoefnagel. (Photo by Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images)