littera moderna

Littera moderna was the term used by 15th-century humanists for rotunda, a style of black letter calligraphy prevalent in medieval Italian books. This script is characterized by rounded forms that overlap, creating pointed intersections, and is rounder than its German counterparts.1

Black letter, also known as Gothic script, was widely used in Europe from the late 12th century until the 20th century, particularly in German-speaking regions. It is distinguished by its angular lines, uniform vertical strokes, and the merging of convex forms. While initially used for manuscripts and documents, it was adapted for early typography.1

The humanists, seeking to revive classical styles, mistakenly believed lettera moderna and other contemporary scripts were ancient Roman forms. They contrasted these with lettera antica, which they believed to be true Roman script, though it was actually Carolingian minuscule. This preference for classical forms led to the development of new scripts like italic, which eventually superseded black letter in much of Europe.23