The new \u201cMichelangelus\u201d typeface, created for St. Peter\u2019s Basilica\u2019s anniversary, will appear in the latest versions of Microsoft Office.<\/p>\n
Writing with the distinctive hand of one of the Renaissance\u2019s greatest geniuses is now possible. Marking the 400th anniversary of the consecration of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, the Vatican and Microsoft have introduced \u201cMichelangelus,\u201d a new digital typeface faithfully modeled on the handwriting of Michelangelo Buonarroti.<\/p>\n
The font, which will be incorporated into the latest versions of Microsoft Office, is expected to allow millions of users worldwide to draft digital documents in the recognizable handwritten style of the Florentine artist, best known in the Vatican for designing the iconic dome of St. Peter\u2019s.<\/p>\n
A tech partnership in service of cultural heritage<\/p>\n
The project grew out of an ongoing collaboration between the Fabric of St. Peter \u2014 the Vatican body responsible for the basilica\u2019s upkeep and conservation \u2014 and the technology company, which has previously participated in other initiatives connected to the basilica.<\/p>\n
To develop Michelangelus, Microsoft engineers closely studied documents preserved in the Vatican archives, including letters and personal and technical notes, as well as detailed architectural plans from the period when the basilica was still under construction \u2014 many written in Michelangelo\u2019s own hand.<\/p>\n
The artist\u2019s harmonious calligraphy, recognizable for its elongated strokes, was reproduced after a lengthy paleographic study of the parchments Michelangelo regularly sent to papal officials to share new ideas, request funding, or report on the progress of the work.<\/p>\n
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, said the new font helps \u201cthe writing of the Renaissance genius\u201d meet the digital age.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeyond the letters, the numbers handwritten by Michelangelo were represented in an impressive way: Each number seemed like a work of art,\u201d the cardinal said during a Vatican presentation of activities planned to commemorate the basilica\u2019s 1626 consecration by Pope Urban VIII.<\/p>\n
Acest articol a fost publicat ini\u021bial de ACI Prensa, serviciul de limb\u0103 spaniol\u0103 al EWTN News, \u0219i a fost tradus \u0219i adaptat de EWTN News English.<\/p>\n