62b.—Initial capital letter “B” from Dance of Death Alphabetdetails

62b.—Initial capital letter “B” from Dance of Death Alphabet

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This decorative initial letter “B”, or drop cap, is from an alphabet designed by Hans Holbein and dating from 1523. It features two skeletons, or death-figures, a dog and a pope. Some commentators say the dog is actually a demon, trying to keep the pope away from death and hence alive.

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letterb, initials, death, skeletons, religion, spirit

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