Ch 7 Renaissance Graphic Design

Summary

Chapter 7 explores Renaissance graphic design from 1450 to 1700 AD, highlighting a shift from medieval beliefs to human potential. It covers the rise of printing in Venice, the contributions of designers like Nicholas Jensen and Aldus Manutius, and the spread of humanist ideals. The chapter also discusses the evolution of book design, the significance of typefaces, and the role of printing in societal change, including the Protestant Reformation and the American Revolution.

Takeaways

• 🎨 **Renaissance Graphic Design (1450-1700 AD)**: A period marked by a shift from medieval beliefs towards human potential and value, with a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman writings.
• 📚 **Venice as the Renaissance Gateway**: Venice was the pioneer in Italian Renaissance, leading the way in printing and design.
• 🔠 **Johannes de Spira and Nicholas Jensen**: Johannes de Spira was granted a printing monopoly in Venice, and after his death, Nicholas Jensen established a second press and became renowned for his typographic designs.
• 🌼 **Floral Decorations**: The Renaissance period was characterized by floral decorations applied to furniture, architecture, and manuscripts.
• 📖 **Incunabula Period**: This was the earliest period of printing, with manuscripts often lacking title pages but including publication details at the end.
• 🌐 **Knowledge Overcoming Superstition**: Printers played a crucial role in disseminating scientific knowledge, moving away from superstition.
• 📚 **Aldus Manutius**: An important humanist and scholar who established a press in Venice to publish major works of Greek and Roman thinkers, and was known for his editorial authority.
• 🔤 **The Birth of Italic Type**: In 1501, Manutius published Virgil's Opera in a smaller format using the first italic type font.
• 📘 **End of the Italian Renaissance**: The Italian Renaissance declined after the sack of Rome in 1527, but the spirit of innovation spread to France.
• 🖋️ **Joffrey Tori and Claude Garamond**: Two brilliant graphic designers of the time who helped define the term 'Renaissance Man' and contributed significantly to the evolution of graphic design.
• 🌉 **Spread of Printing to America**: By 1639, the first book was printed in the English American colonies, marking the beginning of a significant role for printing in the upcoming Revolution.

Q & A

What is the time frame for the Renaissance period discussed in the script?

The Renaissance period discussed in the script spans from approximately 1450 to 1700 AD.

What was the significant shift in beliefs during the Renaissance?

During the Renaissance, there was a turning away from medieval beliefs towards a new concern for human potential and value.

Why was Venice considered Europe's Eastern Gate during the Renaissance?

Venice was considered Europe's Eastern Gate because it was the city that led the way in Italian topography and was a pioneer in printing with the establishment of multiple printing presses.

Who was Nicholas Jensen and why is he famous?

Nicholas Jensen was a French printer who established a second printing press in Venice. He is famous for being one of the greatest type designers of all time, having published about 150 books.

What is an incunabula period manuscript?

An incunabula period manuscript refers to books printed during the early years of printing, from the invention of the printing press until the year 1500.

What was the significance of the 'Little Office of the Virgin Mary' printed by Jensen?

The 'Little Office of the Virgin Mary' is significant because it exemplifies Jensen's beautiful printing work and is an example of an incunabula period manuscript.

Who was Aldus Manutius and why was he important?

Aldus Manutius was an important humanist and scholar who established a printing press in Venice. He is known for his scholarship and editorial authority, and for publishing major works of Greek and Roman thinkers.

What is the significance of the 'Calendarium' mentioned in the script?

The 'Calendarium' is significant because it was one of the first books to have an ornamental title page and it represents a step towards the totally printed book with its scientific diagrams and innovative design.

What was the 'Ars Moriendi' and why was it popular during the 15th century?

The 'Ars Moriendi' was a best-selling book on the art of dying, guiding people through the process of death and the afterlife. It was popular due to its practical advice and religious significance.

What is the significance of the 'Dream of Poliphilo' printed by Aldus Manutius?

The 'Dream of Poliphilo' is significant because it is a romantic fantasy that celebrates paganism and eroticism, and it showcases the close collaboration between printer, type designer, author, and artist during the Renaissance.

What was the innovation of the first italic type font used in 'Virgil's Opera'?

The first italic type font used in 'Virgil's Opera' was innovative because it was designed to be smaller and more economical, which met the demand for more portable and affordable books.

Who was Joffrey Tori and what was his contribution to graphic design?

Joffrey Tori was a French Renaissance man who made significant contributions to graphic design, including importing Italian influences, developing a unique French Renaissance book design, and publishing influential works such as the 'Champfleury'.

What was the importance of the 'Champfleury' in the evolution of graphic design?

The 'Champfleury' was important because it was a comprehensive work on typography and design, showcasing scientific principles in letter construction and innovative use of pictorial forms.

Who was Claude Garamond and how did he influence graphic design?

Claude Garamond was a punch cutter and type designer known for his Roman typefaces that were lighter and more contrasted. His designs complemented Tori's and helped to eliminate heavy Gothic styles from European printing.

What was the role of printing in the American Revolution as mentioned in the script?

Printing played a significant role in the American Revolution by disseminating ideas and information, much like it had urged Europe towards the Protestant Reformation.