(a, fig. [126]) has a formal and intentional arrangement in itself, and therefore need not be outlined.
BACKGROUND CAPITALS
Background Capitals or Initials frequently employ burnished gold, either for the letters or the ground. All the parts (including “solid” patterns) are generally outlined in black, or dark colour.
The commonest colours for grounds are Reds and Blues. The grounds are frequently countercharged, or made one colour inside and another outside the initial (p. [190]). Sometimes little or no gold is used, and many fine white lines are employed to separate and harmonise the colours of the Initial and the ground. It is well, however, for the beginner to keep the letter and the ground distinct, by observing the Herald’s maxim, and using “Metal on colour, or colour on metal.”
The forms of the letters vary from those of ordinary capitals in being thicker in proportion to their height, and frequently in having no serifs. A very thin line or serif is apt to be lost in the background.
A very good form of background initial may be [p189] made out of the ROMAN CAPITAL (a, fig. [116]) by thickening all its parts; in place of the serifs, curving out and shaping the ends of the stems (b, d) to a sort of “blunderbuss” pattern (g).