Foundational Script vs. Humanist Script

Attribute	Foundational Script	Humanist Script
Origin	Developed in the 10th century	Developed in the 15th century
Characteristics	Simple, legible, upright, consistent pen angle	More decorative, varied pen angles, flourishes
Usage	Originally used for legal and official documents	Popular for humanist literature and poetry
Letterforms	More geometric and structured	More organic and flowing

Foundational Script and Humanist Script are two distinct styles of handwriting that have been used throughout history. While both scripts have their own unique characteristics, they also share some similarities. In this article, we will explore the attributes of Foundational Script and Humanist Script, highlighting their differences and similarities.

History

Foundational Script, also known as Bookhand, was developed in the 12th century by the English scribe and calligrapher, Edward Johnston. It was based on the Carolingian minuscule script and became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages. Foundational Script is characterized by its strong vertical strokes and consistent letterforms.

Humanist Script, on the other hand, emerged during the Italian Renaissance in the 15th century. It was influenced by the handwriting of the ancient Romans and was championed by humanist scholars who sought to revive classical learning. Humanist Script is known for its elegant, rounded letterforms and emphasis on legibility.

Letterforms

One of the key differences between Foundational Script and Humanist Script lies in their letterforms. Foundational Script features angular, straight lines with minimal flourishes. The letters are constructed using a consistent pen angle, resulting in a uniform appearance.

Humanist Script, on the other hand, has more rounded and flowing letterforms. The strokes are often curved, giving the script a more graceful and organic look. Humanist Script also allows for more variation in letter shapes, making it a more expressive style of handwriting.

Legibility

Both Foundational Script and Humanist Script are known for their legibility, but they achieve this in different ways. Foundational Script prioritizes clarity and consistency, with each letterform carefully constructed to ensure easy reading.

Humanist Script, on the other hand, focuses on readability through its elegant and flowing letterforms. While Humanist Script may be more visually appealing, some argue that its cursive nature can make it slightly less legible than Foundational Script, especially for those unfamiliar with the style.

Usage

Foundational Script was widely used in medieval Europe for copying manuscripts and creating documents. Its clear and structured letterforms made it ideal for producing legible texts that could be easily read and understood.

Humanist Script, on the other hand, was favored by Renaissance scholars for its beauty and elegance. It was often used for writing poetry, letters, and other literary works where aesthetics were valued as much as readability.

Modern Influence

While both Foundational Script and Humanist Script are historical styles of handwriting, they continue to influence modern calligraphy and typography. Foundational Script, with its clean lines and structured letterforms, is often used in contemporary calligraphy for its classic and timeless appeal.

Humanist Script, on the other hand, has inspired modern typefaces that seek to capture the elegance and grace of the Renaissance script. These typefaces are often used in branding, invitations, and other design projects where a sophisticated and refined look is desired.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Foundational Script and Humanist Script are two distinct styles of handwriting with their own unique attributes. Foundational Script is known for its angular letterforms and emphasis on clarity, while Humanist Script features rounded, flowing letters that prioritize elegance.

Both scripts have played important roles in history and continue to influence modern calligraphy and typography. Whether you prefer the structured simplicity of Foundational Script or the graceful beauty of Humanist Script, both styles offer a rich tradition of craftsmanship and artistry.