History Index (typography)

manicule fifteenth century



pointing hands used in signage outside bar cheers in boston, part of victorian decorative theme

the symbol originates in scribal tradition of medieval , renaissance period, appearing in margin of manuscripts mark corrections or notes.

manicules first known appear in 12th century in handwritten manuscripts in spain, , became common in 14th , 15th centuries in italy elaborate shading , artful cuffs. playful , elaborate, others simple 2 squiggly strokes suggesting barest sketch of pointing hand , quick draw.

after popularization of printing press starting in 1450s, handwritten version continued in handwritten form means annotate printed documents. printers using type representing manicule included mathias huss , johannes schabeler in lyons in 1484 edition of paulus florentinus breviarum totius juris canonici.

in modern period, pointing hand became more popular in publications, advertising, , directional signage. fingerposts have relief-printed or three-dimensional physical manifestations of pointing hands, united states postal service has used pointing hand graphical indicator return sender stamp.

in modern printing, used standard typographical symbol marking notes. american dictionary of printing , bookmaking (1894) treats seventh in standard sequence of footnote markers, following paragraph sign (pilcrow).

examples of manicules

sherman (2005) argues symbols became standardized, no longer reflective of individuality in comparison other writing, , explains diminished popularity.