What is Italic Script?

The years of 1400 – 1500 were called the period of Italian Renaissance. At this time, there was a revival of interest in all kinds of antique stuff, including ancient manuscripts. And many felt handwriting should be simple to read. Taking elements of Carolingian minuscule, a scribe from Florence, Niccolo Niccoli shaped the italic script. (Italic refers to ancient Italy.) The italic script was more cursive, with letters connected within a word and written slanting to the right. There are no loops, serifs, or flourishes in the handwriting.

As in modern italic fonts, the form of a is distinctive, and f, g, k, and a long thin s are more or less reminiscent of black-letter cursive. For his headings Niccoli preferred Roman capitals “italicized” by a slight inclination to the right.

 

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