The Art Of Typography Came Into Existence With The Introduction Of This Invention
The history of typography is one that has been intricately intertwined with the history of art. Starting with the earliest typesetting methods during the 15th century, up to today’s most advanced digital typesetting tools, typography has evolved alongside the art world.
The introduction of the printing press marks a key turning point in typography and art history. During the 15th century, German goldsmith Johannes Gutenberg invented the first movable type system, which opened the door to mass printing. These early presses were used to replicate manuscripts written in Blackletter type, the earliest typeface used for printing.
But it was not until the 1700s, during the Age of Enlightenment, that typography began to be used for more than just replicating manuscripts. During this period, typography saw the emergence of a new artistic typeface style, known as the Didone. This style featured a slim, sharp contrast between thick and thin strokes of the letters, and it established the main structure of all sans-serif typefaces used today.
The next major typography development came in the early 1800s with the rise of the modern-day serif. Just like the Didone style, the modern serif features the same basic structure of thick and thin strokes in the letters. However, these strokes are often connected, giving the typeface a more contemporary look.
It was in the late 1800s when typography began to be used in its most artful forms. During this period, art deco typography emerged with the introduction of new typefaces such as Futura and Gill Sans. These typefaces embraced the emerging technology, often with a combination of sans-serif and serif characters.
Today, typography and art continue to be interconnected. Digital typesetting tools, such as Adobe Fonts and Google Fonts, have made typography more accessible than ever before. With these tools, it’s easy to create beautiful, unique typefaces without having to learn how to use a typesetting machine. And with more typography tools available, typography has become an art form in its own right.
In short, the art of typography came into existence with the introduction of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg. Since then, it has evolved to become a vital part of the art world, embracing cutting-edge technologies while staying rooted in the history of the craft. With its endless possibilities for creativity, typography remains an integral part of the visual arts.