EXAMPLE 119
Semi-ornamental ecclesiastic style
Ornament as used by the printer may be divided into four classes: Ornament based upon geometric lines (Example [111]), ornament based upon foliage (Example [112]), ornament based upon the inanimate (Example [113]) and ornament based upon the animate (Example [114]). The center ornament in Example [111] contains the cross and circle, ecclesiastic devices, and its conventionalized pointed leaves would also admit it to the group shown as Example [112]—ornament based upon foliage. Leaves and flowers from the beginning have been a prolific source of inspiration to artists. Before the invention of typography the decorator of manuscript books reveled in foliage, as will be seen by Example [117], and today when decoration is added by the process of printing the same liberal use of foliage is evidenced (Example [118]). In both examples should be noticed the custom of filling blank spaces with decoration.
EXAMPLE 120. INITIALS
a—Foliage decoration based on the acanthus leaf
b—Imitation of mortised woodcut initials
c—Simple geometric treatment
d—Rugged Colonial style
e—Suggesting literary use
f—Italian ornamentation
g—Plain black and white effect
h—Modern adaptation of Roman torch
i—German scroll decoration
j—Based upon the uncial character
k—Woodcut effect as used by Morris
The inanimate (Example [113]) lends itself better for ornamental purposes than does the animate (Example [114]), and the less familiar the subject the better ornament it makes. An ornament based upon the animate is shown in Example [124], and as will be seen it is not as pleasing as the one in Example [121], which is based upon the inanimate.
EXAMPLE 121
Simple ornamentation applied to letterhead. Design by Harry A. Anger, Seattle, Wash.
Initials afford a convenient means of ornamentation (Example [120]). An initial well chosen as to tone and appropriateness often satisfies all demands in this line. The mortised Colonial initial indicated by b looks well with Caslon roman and printed on antique paper. The acanthus design a looks well with Washington Text; the Italian design f, with a letter such as Bodoni. Initials are used in a highly decorative manner in Example [115], after the style found in ecclesiastical manuscripts. The possibilities of type and rule are here well set forth.