One of the unique kinds of nibs to attach to your calligraphy pen is the oblique nib which is used to produce Copperplate calligraphy script. So let's take a look at the Copperplate script to find out why it requires such a different calligraphy nib. 

The Copperplate, or Roundhand, alphabet became popular after the invention of the printing press. It was through the competition between the scribe and the engraver that forced the scribe to abandon the broad nibbed pen and take up the pointed nib. This was so they could emulate the fine work produced by the engraver.

The problem for the scribe was that the pressure that had to be applied on the down movement of the pen turned the process into a laborious effort. This was because the thick strokes were not easy to make with such a thin nibbed pen.

So it became necessary for the Copperplate scribe to make up a new rhythm of differing pressures when they made the effort to manipulate the pen properly.

Unlike other hands where the letter forms are written at an angle of about 10 degrees, Copperplate is written at an angle of 54 degrees. This extreme tilt became popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries resulting in the invention of the oblique calligraphy pen holder.

Copperplate is distinguished by the extreme slant and even appearance. The lines of the letters flow from one to another and the swells appear effortless. The movement is accentuated by tall, squared off ascenders and descenders. The capitals are very ornate containing generous swirls, which is not to say the calligrapher should go overboard with attempting elaborate flourishes.

The calligraphy pen nib required to produce Copperplate script is unlike that of the nib needed for other hands in that it needs to be a flexible pointed nib. In order to become proficient at producing quality Copperplate script you must learn to flex and spread your nib with proper pressure.

Displayed below is a copy of a copperplate calligraphy alphabet.

Check out more posts about calligraphy alphabets such as Italic Hand, Gothic Hand, Uncial Hand, Foundational Hand and Roman Capitals.