Unlike Copperplate calligraphy, where the thickness difference is created by adding/releasing pressure from the pen, the broad-edged nib creates variations in thickness by holding the nib at a consistent angle. However, some blackletter calligraphy scripts use different sizing proportions (i.e., the Batarde script). The minuscules are usually sized at 5 nib widths, while the ascenders, descenders, and capitals are at 7 nib widths. Thick, black, dense, vertical strokes with sharp edges characterize black letter calligraphy.īlackletter calligraphy is a very expressive calligraphy style (regardless of the specific script), and today, there are so many variations out there that you can practice.īlackletter calligraphy is practiced using a broad-edged nib, marker, or fountain pen. 1740–1741 (an engraving, not actual writing). George Bickham’s Round Hand script, from The Universal Penman, c. Recommend checking out this fantastic article by Sybille. However, for a more in-depth explanation of the origins of the Copperplate script, I highly I talk more about this in my article about the history of calligraphy. Without going too deep into the whole history of the Copperplate script, the name was adopted later on as calligraphers tried to copy the beautiful letters engraved on copper plates created by the penmanship masters of that time. Back then, known under a different name – the English Round Hand. The Copperplate script can be traced back to the late 17th century. Copperplate calligraphy Flourished Copperplate calligraphy sample by Origins of the script I wrote an in-depth guide on choosing the right calligraphy pen that you can check out later.Īlright, let’s begin! 1. Quick note: If you are just starting, I recommend picking one of these styles first and then purchasing the needed calligraphy pen and other basic calligraphy tools according to that style. I talk about this in my ultimate guide for calligraphy beginners.

Roman Capitals (Rustic & Square Capitals).

Uncial (Half-Uncial, Artificial Uncial).Blackletter (Textura, Fraktur, Rotunda, Batarde).Here is a quick look at the styles covered in this article – This article will help you better understand the names of the various calligraphy scripts (aka styles) and help you choose one to start. In this article, I will go over the most popular calligraphy styles.įor each style (a.k.a. Do you want to start practicing calligraphy, but you’re not sure which calligraphy style to choose from?Ĭalligraphy is an umbrella term encompassing a wide variety of calligraphy scripts that have evolved for nearly two thousand years.

Gothic calligraphy lower alphabet