The History of Calligraphy
The term "calligraphy" is derived from the Greek words "kallos" (meaning beauty) and "graphein" (meaning to write). It refers to the artistic practice of writing and arranging symbols in a visually pleasing and harmonious manner. Throughout history, calligraphy has played a significant role in communication, religious texts, cultural expression, and even the preservation of knowledge.
First, let us begin with the terminologies.
Majuscules: capital letters
Minuscules: lowercase letters
Ascenders: the extended part above the body of the letter, for example in ‘d’, ‘k’
Descenders: the extended part below the body of the letter, for example ‘y’, ‘p’
Hairlines: the thinnest strokes made with a pen
Counter: the inside of a letter
Nearly everyone has heard of or seen modern calligraphy, but what about other types? Here I’ll introduce a script (not font) called copperplate.
One of the most notable calligraphic scripts is Copperplate, also known as English Roundhand. It emerged in the 16th century in Europe and gained prominence as a popular handwriting style during the 18th and 19th centuries. Copperplate calligraphy is characterised by its graceful and flowing nature, with fine hairline strokes and thicker downstrokes.
The name "Copperplate" originated from the practice of engraving writing plates on copper, which were later inked and pressed onto paper. These plates allowed for precise reproduction of calligraphic writing, resulting in a consistent and elegant script. Copperplate calligraphy was particularly favoured for formal documents, invitations, and personal correspondence.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the art of Copperplate calligraphy reached its zenith. It was widely taught and practised, and many accomplished calligraphers emerged during this period. The popularity of Copperplate can be attributed to its legibility, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. It was often used for official documents, legal records, and in the creation of decorative manuscripts and certificates.
Copperplate calligraphy requires a specific set of tools and techniques. The primary tool is a pointed pen, usually made of metal or quill, which allows for the creation of thin and thick strokes. The pen is dipped into ink, and the calligrapher applies varying pressure to control the width of the strokes. The script demands careful attention to detail and a steady hand to achieve the desired effect.
Want to learn calligraphy? Here are some good resources:
Bibliography
Comments