What is calligraphy? History of Calligraphy

In the modern world, calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing. What is calligraphy, know not all. In some schools and higher education institutions, calligraphy has been studied and continues to be studied as a separate subject. But the most part of people, especially this concerns the younger generation, and have no idea of a beautiful and elegant letter.

The origin of calligraphy in the world

The history of calligraphy is interesting and diverse. The term was first used in the 16th century in Europe. During this period, a beautiful and flawless image of words began to be called a calligraphic letter. However, all the previous 16 centuries the art of calligraphy has been constantly developing. Even the ancient people who lived in the caves, depicted on the rocks a variety of drawings. Over time, the drawings began to be replaced by symbols, and this style of writing was called cuneiform.

Then in the IV millennium BC. In ancient Egypt a hieroglyphic letter arose, and already in the III century BC. It began to supplant Greek capital writing. Every century in different parts of the world, more and more kinds of writing have sprung up. Already at the end of the eleventh century in Italy, a subtle and beautiful writing of texts could be called calligraphic. In these times almost the whole of Europe used the Gothic style of writing, which has a lot of similarities with calligraphy.

In different countries, the calligraphic letter developed in different ways at different times. For the most part, the development of this art depended on when the people appeared writing.

Writing from the Slavic people

What is calligraphy - the Slavic people learned in the XV century. In 846, the Slavs only had the first alphabet. This was promoted by the Byzantine state, which wanted at all costs to preach Christianity in writing.

Data on the origin of writing among the Slavs is rather small, but the founders of the writing are two brothers: Constantine and Methodius. Moravian prince Rostislav asked Constantine to create an alphabet for Christians, and Brother Methodius, who at that time was the abbot of an Orthodox monastery, agreed to help him.

In the 15th century the first beautiful font appeared - the manuscript. Behind him - teratological style, ligature and initial letter. Teratological style was, perhaps, the most beautiful and unusual. The letters were depicted in conjunction with various animals and birds. It could be both existing beasts, and fictitious. Ornament was a foliage or a flame around a letter.

With the question what is calligraphy, it seems that everything is now clear, but who is a calligrapher and what does he do.

Who is the calligrapher?

This is a profession that implies the ability to write calligraphically. At first glance it seems: is this profession really in demand now? In the age of computer technology, people are using paper less and less on paper. After all, almost any text editor has a lot of different fonts, and constantly new and new appear. However, these fonts are created by calligraphers-artists.

A calligrapher is a man of art, he is an artist and a writer in one person. In our time it is very popular to be able to write calligraphically. This skill gives any person a sign of good upbringing and elegance. In elite families, even the smallest families know what calligraphy is.

It is believed that the calligraphic letter has the properties of meditation, as well as any other creativity. A person has a unique opportunity to "go into himself" for a while and plunge into the world of art. The technique of calligraphy is not difficult, and almost anyone can learn it.

In order to learn calligraphic writing, you do not need special skills and beautiful handwriting, but this is laborious work. The restless people with poorly developed fine motor skills are unlikely to succeed. It is desirable, of course, that those who want to learn calligraphy, know how to draw well and have a good imagination. In any case, try to learn how to beautifully depict the letters for everyone.

Learn calligraphy

Calligraphic writing involves the use of pen and ink. However, before you buy all the necessary equipment, you should try your hand with a conventional pen. Choose the font that you like (preferably if it's one of the simplest fonts), and save yourself the alphabet of this style of writing. Every day, you must write at least one letter. This kind of calligraphy is called artificial.

Artificial calligraphy is more complicated than usual, because thickenings have to be done by yourself. Due to the fact that the pen has a point (unlike a ball in a pen), it is easier for them to recreate calligraphic letters.

When each letter of the font is worked out, it's time to learn how to combine and decorate them. Look at how the connections look in the selected font, and try to repeat them. When artificial calligraphy has been worked out a little, you can proceed to calligraphic writing with a pen.

Tools for calligraphy

As a rule, a pen and a pen holder are used for writing: this is the custom in European calligraphy. But eastern calligraphy prefers the use of brushes. Feathers are very different: spiky, wide-pointed, poster. For beginners, it is the pointed ones that are best suited to this task. Having mastered them, it will be possible to move to other types of feathers.

It will not be superfluous to acquire a special notebook for studying calligraphy. It has a special layout, with which it will be much easier to observe the proportions of letters.

In the modern world, on the shelves of shops you can find pens for calligraphy, markers and even such know-how as brashpen (a pen with a pen tip). However, one should not forget that it is still difficult to replace the pen and ink with something.

Place for lessons

The place for calligraphy is also important. While studying a beautiful letter should be quiet and comfortable. It is necessary to sit comfortably, straightening your back and legs. The non-working hand should have the main load, while the writing hand should soar above the workbook. You can learn calligraphic writing only in complete peace and harmony with yourself - this is the most important rule, which you should not forget about.

Calligraphy for the youngest

What is calligraphy for children and do they need it? Undoubtedly, the answer is yes! A calligraphic letter disciplines a person, teaches him assiduity and tranquility, and this is exactly what so many children lack. Moreover, in the study of calligraphy, the handwriting aligns with the children. Letters in school notebooks acquire the same value, and the child develops small motor skills.

By the handwriting of the schoolboy we can say a lot: character, mental state, mental development. Beautiful calligraphy will open the child a lot of roads in the future.