Calligraphy

From the Greek for 'beautiful writing', calligraphy is a script that exhibits exceptional and often self-conscious artistry and aesthetic quality in design and execution.

From the Greek for 'beautiful writing', calligraphy is a script that exhibits exceptional and often self-conscious artistry and aesthetic quality in design and execution. The art of fine writing was appreciated during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with certain scribes becoming noted for their beautiful and decorative script. A number of treatises on calligraphy and specimen books of script (such as copy books and alphabet books) were produced. Following the introduction of printing, fine writing was still taught by writing masters, calligraphers, and illuminators, who continued to produce handwritten pieces as works of art and for formal, commemorative, or display purposes.

  • German:
    Kalligraphie; kalligraphische Schrift
  • Portuguese:
    caligrafia

Michelle Brown. Understanding Illuminated Manuscripts (Malibu, CA: J. Paul Getty Museum in association with the British Library, c1994).