Historical Identity of Humanist Typeface

Abstract

In this study, Gothic and Humanist typefaces are explored in parallel with transition from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance in Europe. Gutenberg's printing techniques are discussed together with social transformations brought by this technique. Intellectual foundations of Gothic and Humanist typefaces in this period are being investigated. As a result, it is evident that the ideological transformation from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance became visible not only in literature but also in different typeface styles. It is possible to consider Humanist typeface as an indicator of Renaissance enlightenment in addition of having an important place in Old Style Typefaces. These result indicates that the typefaces have the historical function of carrying the spirit of the time along with representing information and emotions.