Copperplate vs Italic calligraphy: history, key features and how to start each

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Copperplate and Italic are two of the most studied formal scripts. They look quite different, they are written with different tools, and they teach different skills. Here is a short introduction to both, and a practical way to begin.

Italic: a brief history

Italic grew out of the handwriting used in Renaissance Italy, including the chancery hand (cancelleresca) written by scribes at the papal chancery. One of the most famous early instruction books is La Operina by Ludovico degli Arrighi, a papal scribe; its title page is dated 1522, though some scholars think it was actually published a little later. Printers also cut italic typefaces based on this kind of writing, which is how the word italic came to be used for slanted type. Interest in writing with the broad-edged pen was revived in the early 20th century. Edward Johnston's book Writing & Illuminating, & Lettering, published in 1906, was hugely influential in that revival, and Italic has remained a standard teaching hand ever since, both for formal calligraphy and as a model for everyday handwriting.

Italic: what it looks like

Written with a broad-edge pen, so thick and thin lines come from the direction of the stroke, not pressure.
Pen angle is commonly given as around 40 to 45 degrees to the writing line, though some teachers use a lower angle.
A slight forward slant, often described as about 5 to 7 degrees from vertical.
x-height of about 5 nib widths in many models, with ascenders and descenders of similar or slightly shorter length.
Compressed, oval letters with branching arches: the n and m spring out of the stem part-way up, giving a rhythmic, slightly pointed look.

Copperplate: a brief history

Copperplate is the name usually given to the English Roundhand of the 18th century. Its best-known source is The Universal Penman, engraved by George Bickham the Elder and published in parts between 1733 and 1741, which collected examples by many London writing masters. The name comes from the engraved copper printing plates used to reproduce these model hands, and some calligraphers prefer to call the script English Roundhand for that reason.

Copperplate: what it looks like

Written with a pointed, flexible nib; thick strokes come from pressure on the downstrokes.
A strong slant, commonly given as about 55 degrees from the horizontal.
Oval letters with even, regular joins, so a word looks like one smooth chain.
Shades (the thick parts) on the downstrokes only, with hairline upstrokes.
Many writers use an oblique pen holder, which sets the nib at an angle so it lines up with the steep slant. Left-handed writers use a range of setups, including an ordinary oblique holder with the paper turned, or a straight holder.

Which to learn first?

Italic is often recommended first. The broad pen makes the strokes for you, the slant is gentle, and it teaches letter structure and spacing clearly. It also improves everyday handwriting.
Copperplate suits people who love its formal, flowing look and are patient with a sensitive tool. Pressure control on a flexible nib takes time.

Neither is wrong as a first choice; picking the one you want to look at every day matters most.

How to start Italic

Get a broad-edge pen or chisel marker and guide sheets with x-height and slant lines matched to your nib width.
Practise holding a steady pen angle with zigzags and straight lines.
Learn the letters in families: the n family (n, m, h, r, b, p), the o and a family (a, d, g, q, o, c, e), then the diagonals (v, w, x, y, k).
Then move on to words and spacing.

How to start Copperplate

Use smooth paper, a flexible pointed nib, an oblique or straight holder and ink.
Practise the basic shapes first: the downstroke with shade, the underturn, the overturn, the oval, the ascending and descending loops.
Learn lowercase letters by shared shapes, slowly and with frequent pen lifts.
Only later move on to capitals, which are more elaborate.

Which hand are you learning, or thinking of trying? Share your questions or a favourite resource in the comments.