Today's Google Doodle in Germany is dedicated to Ludwig Sütterlin [1865-1917], a Berlin-based graphic artist and teacher at the "Teaching Institution of the Royal Museum of Decorative Arts" (lit. Unterrichtsanstalt des Königlichen Kunstgewerbemuseums zu Berlin) that invented the Sütterlin script.
[Colorful Google Doodle on July, 23rd 2018
dedicated to Ludwig Sütterlin]
This minimal and very regular writing style based on geometrical forms, influenced by Art Nouveau and by the work of Rudolf von Larisch, was nationally adopted in Germany as a more adapt writing style for children (in comparison to the more tricky Eckenschrift) during the Twenties and the Thirties.
Every letter would have the same height and width, in order to help small children learning how to write properly while using a quill:
[Example of the Sütterlin's alphabet
Image credit: Schulmuseum Dresden]
Sütterlin's alphabet was largely used until 1941, when it got banned by the Nazis and suddenly considered among the forbidden writing styles.
Famous not only for his alphabet but also for his activity as a pedagogue and as an illustrator, Sütterlin created also incredibly beautiful vases and other decorated objects d'art made of glass:
[Vases in Art Nouveau style
by Ludwig Sütterlin
Image credit: artnet]
Beauty as an expression of clear, essential lines, pure forms, and harmonious proportions can be observed not only in his vases, posters and other creations, but also in his writing style.
Tags: Google Doodle, Ludwig Sütterlin, Alphabet, Art Nouveau, Birth anniversary
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