Before Class-Geoffroy Tory & Chapter 8

Geoffroy Tory is the name of graphic artist that lived from 1480-1533. He was not just an artist he was also considered a renaissance man covering and successfully accomplishing almost all factions of life. For example Tory was known to be a professor, scholar, translator, poet, author,publisher printer, bookseller, calligrapher, designer, illustrator, and an engraver. Not only did he accomplish such great feats but he did so during a time when such careers were yet fully developed. Tory can be considered a true renaissance man because he was, as previously listed, a man of many talents but also a man of worldly knowledge. I believe that it was his ability to understand so many different types of languages and styles that allow him to be considered one of the most profound graphic artists of his time and of history. It is also interesting to know that Tory was not a privileged child and that he studied hard and traveled in order to gain his knowledge of the arts and the world. The reason why I found this to be interesting is because usually back then it was hard to become anything/anyone unless you came from a noble background. Tory set out to understand and perfect all spectrums of design, but he also was known for inventing new styles and a new perspective of design. He is known for stepping away from the bold, cluttered style of the Gothic era by adding mathematical organization and spacing to his works. Along with the page layouts Tory also was seen as an inventor of type, mainly known for his unique typeface that involved each letter being represented by a certain tool. Tory was considered the most influential designer of the century opening the door for future designers to build off of his accomplishments.

The focus of chapter 8 is on the increasing inventiveness of typeface after the turn of the eighteenth century. Designers stepped away from the formality of the Roman capitals, and began to invent new typefaces that were put together using mathematics, however the overall lettering would be created for aesthetic appeal. during the Rococo era in the eighteenth century brought fourth a sense of organic lettering. Floral designs and the use of s-curves caused the rococo period to be full of intricate patterns that derived from nature. The most important invention to come out of the rococo period was the set of guidelines and rules created by Fournier le Jeune. What Jeune did was create a book that included a system of design in which measurements, rules, and typeface were all unified for other designers to use as reference. This invention also lead to the beginning of type families, or fonts. This set of guidelines also involved principles involving the use of fonts in relation to the use of decorative typefaces. It is during this time that engravers or print makers start to be seen more as artists because they were no longer confined to using a certain type, they began to invent and create new decorative engravings.

This period in time allowed designers to create their very own type, one man in particular was William Caslon who was an englishman that created his own typeface called Caslon Old Style. This become the main font used by all designers in England at the time. What was unique about his font designs was that they were mainly easy to read but still maintained this sense of artistry that was pleasing to the eye. Next in line to change the world of type was a man who also resided in England, his name was John Baskerville. What Baskerville did was improve the printing press and designed cast and set type. He also borrowed some ideas from the Japanese and he would often finish his work by hand painting flowers and fruits throughout. Truly the most important aspect that came from this time period was the inventiveness and use of different types. Also it is important to note that guidelines were created that helped organize the world of graphic design and type, however it did not limit creativity and the search for new ideas.