Microsoft’s clever new Word font is based on Michelangelo’s handwriting – here’s how you can get it
- Microsoft is launching a new font for Microsoft 365 apps
- The ‘Michelangelus’ font is based on Michelangelo’s handwriting.
- However, it is a vague digital interpretation and some feel that the font and the actual writing are “wildly different.”
Do you think fonts are boring? Well, that’s fair, they’re certainly not the most interesting topic on the planet, but every now and then one comes along that makes you sit up and pay attention.
An example of this (12 points, perhaps) is that, as Microsoft announced in a blog post, Michelangelo’s handwriting is being rolled out to Microsoft 365 users, or at least a modern approximation of it.
The ‘Michelangelo’ baptismal font was created to mark the anniversary of the consecration of St. Peter’s Basilica, which took place 400 years ago (November 18).
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The font was created for use on digital and printed materials related to the Basilica, as well as on signage within the building, but the decision was made to share it with the world through Microsoft Office.
The Fabbrica di San Pietro commissioned an Italian design agency, studiogusto, to convert Michelangelo’s characters into digital versions, noting that the idea was not a direct imitation of his handwriting, but rather “adapting it through design to a modern tool.”
Mimmo Berterame, general director of studiogusto, noted that: “For him [Michelangelo], [writing] It was about clarity and respect for the reader. So, beauty was important, but it also needed order. “Our typography needs character and personality, but it also needs to be clear and easy to read.”
In other words, the font is a modern approximation of his calligraphy based on the “rules” and feel of the writing style, so it doesn’t look too over the top, but still maintains some of Michelangelo’s flourishes (like the dots at the top of the “h”).
Analysis: fun with fonts
Some of the reaction to the font has been skewed toward those less impressed in terms of the digital lettering’s resemblance to real writing. As one Redditor says: “That is certainly a very loose interpretation of the phrase ‘based on’.”
The response points out that the official press release of the Basilica of San Pietro explains that: “The typography is inspired by the bold and expressive handwriting of Michelangelo Buonarroti. However, it goes beyond a mere reproduction of the artist’s graphic style and an imitation of his calligraphic techniques.
“The ambition is broader: to identify in his writing a visual logic, a system of proportions, rhythm and harmony measured by the eye of the artist, and to translate this into a contemporary typographic system.”
However, the original poster remains largely unmoved, noting that: “That’s a noble goal and an ambitious approach, but I really don’t think its execution lives up to its intent.”
Someone else observes: “In this interpretation, among many other characters that don’t even come close, the capital letters A and M are wildly different. I don’t get any sense of handwriting.”
I can see where the criticism is coming from, and it stems from the fact that the design is clearly geared much more towards clarity and a more contemporary and legible appearance than the actual writing. Still, regardless of how you measure the performance here, the end result looks very clever.
If your curiosity is piqued and you head over to Word to try out the new font, wait a moment, because it hasn’t been implemented yet.
Si Daniels, principal product designer at Office Design, explains that the new font will be rolled out to Microsoft 365 apps by the end of the year. However, if you can’t wait, you can download and install it manually from here.
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