Andreas Vesalius, Initial V, Marsyas

Initial letter from the 1555 edition of De Fabrica by Vesalius. The V divides the area into three sections: The middle shows Apollo and Marsyas the satyr competing on their respective instruments; the winner is allowed to treat the loser as he pleases. The right part shows how Apollo (who can be recognized by the laurels) has tied up Marsyas and is flaying his skin. To the left are two nymphs crying for Marsyas' fate. There's a larger version here: Vesalius V.