cursiefschrift

Cursiefschrift is the Dutch term for italic type, a style of letterforms that slant to the right and often feature distinct shapes compared with the upright roman. It is used to emphasize text, denote foreign words, or highlight the titles of works; in many fonts it also carries conventional usage in scholarly and literary contexts.

Originating in Renaissance Italy, the first italic type was produced in the early 16th century for the Venice-based Aldine Press, around 1500–1501, by Francesco Griffo for Aldus Manutius. The aim was to save space and to evoke a handwriting-like appearance. The form quickly spread and gave rise to the modern category of italics; the name derives from their Italian origin.

In typography, cursiefschrift may refer to the italic serif or sans-serif family in a given font. Italic type is often distinct from a mere oblique, because it includes intentionally designed letter shapes. In contemporary usage italics are supplied as a separate font style within a family and are standard for emphasis, for the names of ships and artworks, and for foreign words and technical terms. In mathematics and some scientific contexts, italic letters are used for variables and certain symbols.

Cursiefschrift remains a fundamental typographic device in both print and digital media, balancing emphasis with aesthetic and typographic conventions. It is taught as a basic component of typography, editorial practice, and design.