Frakturlike

Frakturlike, also known as Fraktur, is a type of blackletter script that was widely used in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It is characterized by its distinctive, angular, and highly decorative letterforms, which often include swashes, loops, and other flourishes. Fraktur is particularly associated with German and Dutch typography, and it was commonly used for printing books, manuscripts, and documents during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The term "Fraktur" is derived from the German word "fraktur," which means "broken" or "fractured," reflecting the script's irregular and fragmented appearance. Fraktur evolved from the earlier Gothic script and was influenced by the growing interest in humanist ideals, which emphasized clarity and readability in typography. As printing technology advanced, Fraktur gave way to more modern and legible typefaces, such as the Roman and Italic scripts.

Fraktur remains an important historical artifact, offering insights into the typographic practices of the past. It is often studied by historians, typographers, and calligraphers for its aesthetic value and its role in the development of modern type design. Today, Fraktur can be found in various forms, from traditional woodblock prints to contemporary digital fonts, and it continues to be appreciated for its unique and evocative style.