Picerne - Chapters 1, 3, and 6

Chapter 1 focused on the evolution and development of typography. The chapter gave many examples as to how typography has changed over time. What I found most interesting in the chapter was the amount of typography used in each piece. For example, when looking at Filippo Lippi's Madonna and Child from 1440-45, I would not have noticed the typography used in the piece. However, when looking more closely at the painting, it is clear that the typography Lippi incorporated is important in understanding the composition. Before, I only though of typography as more apparent uses of words and symbols. The example shows how important the use of typography was and is when discussing art.

Chapter 3 focuses on syntax and communication, which is very important when discussing and learning about typography. The chapter talks about typographic syntax, the letter, the word, the line, column and margin, typographic space, visual hierarchy, and what I found interesting, ABA form. ABA form is a three-part structure that has repetition and contrasting elements. I like how the section in the chapter compares it to music, as many pieces of music follow the same pattern. The form creates a rhythm within the piece, which makes the composition easy for the viewer to understand. The section then goes on to explain some variations on the ABA form that have been successful in the typographic field.

Chapter 6 focuses on the typographic message. It is clear that many of the typographic images we see in our society are supposed to convey some type of meaning to the viewer. However, there are a lot of components that are important when trying to construct a composition that has to convey a certain message. The chapter contains three main parts: a multidimensional language, verbal/visual equations, and function and expression. The section that stood out to me was the verbal/visual equations. The section explains how the placement of certain characters and spacing between them determine the meaning of the piece. Every detail that goes into constructing the piece then influences the meaning of the composition.