Unearthing the First Printed Italics: A Glimpse into Early Typography at Amsterdam's Embassy of the Free Mind
Visitors to Amsterdam's Embassy of the Free Mind can delve into a captivating piece of printing history, highlighting the origins of italic typeface. A rare 1500 edition, held within the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, reveals the very first words ever printed in italics, subtly embedded within a woodcut.
The significant discovery is found in Saint Catherine of Siena's Epistole devotissime de Sancta Catharina da Siena, published in Venice by the renowned printer Aldus Manutius. Within an illustration depicting Saint Catherine, the Latin phrase 'iesu dolce- iesu amore' ('My Sweet Jesus, Jesus my love') appears, marking the earliest known use of italic print. This particular edition from 1500 is part of the extensive collection at the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica (BPH), housed at the Embassy of the Free Mind.
Exploring Historical Typography and Rare Books in Amsterdam
Before this landmark publication, printed texts exclusively used Gothic-style fonts, common in places like Germany where printing originated. The italic script was an innovation by Italian typecutter Francesco Griffo, who sought to mimic the humanistic cursive handwriting popular in Italy during the 15th century. This new style offered faster writing and a connection to ancient Roman inscriptions, which were gaining appreciation at the time.
Initially, the italic script was still evolving, as evidenced by the lack of capital letters in these first words. However, by 1501, a full book, Virgil's works, was printed entirely in italics, complete with capital letters. This new font was revolutionary, allowing more text to fit on a single page, which reduced paper usage and facilitated the creation of smaller, more portable books – the precursors to today's pocket books. While modern printing primarily uses italics for emphasis, their original purpose dramatically transformed book production and accessibility.
The Embassy of the Free Mind's Contribution to Cultural Heritage
As a museum and library dedicated to philosophical, spiritual, and humanist traditions, the Embassy of the Free Mind in Amsterdam regularly presents rare manuscripts and books that shed light on pivotal moments in intellectual and cultural history. The presence of such a historically significant volume underscores the BPH's commitment to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of written knowledge and its evolution.
To explore more unique artifacts and delve deeper into cultural heritage, consider a visit to the Embassy of the Free Mind. You can discover more about historical innovations and significant collections through Musemap (musemap.art). Plan your visit and browse more museums in Amsterdam or view other cultural highlights on the map.
