Exercitatio alphabetica nova et utilisima (1569)
Date
Credits
- Clément Perret Calligrapher
- Hans Vriedman de Vries Artist
Format
- Book 682
- Typography 45
Type of Work
- Finished work 5471
- Photo(s) 138
Techniques
- printmaking 24
- printing 415
Locations Made
Links
This page is an excerpt from the copybook Exercitatio alphabetica nova et utilisima (A new and most useful alphabetical exercise) by Dutch calligrapher Clément Perret, published in 1569. The inclusion of extremely detailed ornamental borders by artist Hans Vriedman de Vries caused Perret's copybook in particular to be viewed as not only instructional, but decorative.
During the 16th century, copybooks became popular as a way to demonstrate and teach the skills of refined calligraphy using the Latin alphabet. This refined calligraphy, known as the cancelleresca corsiva (among other names), originated in Rome in the 1540's before spreading to numerous European countries along with other calligraphic styles, or “hands,” of writing. Copybooks were printed for and intended to be used by artists, scholars, and royalty, thus defining the calligraphic cancelleresca as an upper-class writing style.
Dutch calligrapher Clément Perret's Exercitatio alphabetica was particularly significant, as it was the first copybook printed using copperplate engraving rather than the traditional wood engraving. This allowed Perret's calligraphic hand to reach a larger audience than previous copybooks had, though the reproduction and learning of cancelleresca still remained primarily in the hands of the wealthy during this era.
However, the tradition and distribution of copybooks, including Perret's, paved the way for increasing rates of literacy and interest in writing. As a result, over the following centuries, the art of calligraphy became widely known.
