Is there difference between "Calligraphy" and "Penmanship" words?

[tipstricks]

Sorry (I'm italian): I've realized a doubt that has to be resolved: is there (and if yes) what's the difference between the words "calligraphy" and "penmanship"? In Italy we use only "calligrafia" to define elegant, decorative and beautiful handwriting.

On Google "define" option looks like they have the same sense, but I'm sure someone here can give a more accurated answer.

Thank you.

[caliken]

Sorry (I'm italian): I've realized a doubt that has to be resolved: is there (and if yes) what's the difference between the words "calligraphy" and "penmanship"? In Italy we use only "calligrafia" to define elegant, decorative and beautiful handwriting.

On Google "define" option looks like they have the same sense, but I'm sure someone here can give a more accurated answer.

Thank you.

IMO calligraphy, by definition, means beautiful handwriting and those who study it are particularly interested in maintaining or improving the appearance of their handwriting, for whatever reason.

 

Penmanship, on the other hand has a far wider meaning, and refers to an interest in handwriting in general, not necessarily to a calligraphic level. Handwriting which is interestingly different or shows personality or character can be defined as penmanship, in my book, hence the existence of "The Penmanship Forum".

 

As this is very much a personal opinion, please feel free to disagree. I believe that this is one of those areas where no one is right and no one is wrong!

[Randal6393]

Yes, caliken, think I would have to agree with you. Calligraphy is involved with producing an art form and partakes of lettering as much as handwriting. Penmanship, on the other hand, involves manipulation of the pen to produce an every day written document. Although many examples exist that contradict these definitions.

 

Another difference I see: for the most part, calligraphy involves a broad-edged pen whereas most penmanship involves the pointed-pen. But in common usage, calligraphy and penmanship often are interchanged.

Edited August 21, 2008 by Randal6393

[HDoug]

To me, calligraphy means beautiful writing and penmanship is the ability to use a pen. So calligraphy requires good penmanship, but writing extremely quickly would also require good penmanship even if the result weren't particularly beautiful. Anyway, this is the way I make the distinction between the two.

 

Doug

[tipstricks]

Thank you for explain. So, if I have understand, we can talk about calligraphy using other instruments other than pens (for example letters carved on stones), and in this case it's not penmanship, because it's related to the use of pens and paper, right?

[Lozzic]

I agree that Calligraphy is concerned with beautiful writing and that it is to do with artistic/decorative writing, I think the point at which writing is for more functional purposes is when it becomes penmanship. I feel that calligraphy is writing for beauty but penmanship is writing for everyday use, that is not to say penmanship cannot be beautiful however. Calligraphy varies over cultures, in the west it is the pen that dominates and in the far east the brush.

 

I think that if you are using stone it is in the realm of stone masonry, yes it may involve Calligraphic text but the skill of creating it is that of stone masonry. In the west the same goes for large scale lettering with a brush, that is not classified as calligraphy but as sign writing. I would say that both Calligraphy and penmanship (in the western world) are concerned with the use of pen and ink.

 

Additional decoration of the medieval style using a brush and paint is not calligraphy but illumination.

 

Thank you for explain. So, if I have understand, we can talk about calligraphy using other instruments other than pens (for example letters carved on stones), and in this case it's not penmanship, because it's related to the use of pens and paper, right?