Il Modo de temperare le Penne... 1523

Ludovico Arrighi's "Il Modo de temperare le Penne..." is an early example of a writing manual made during the rise of humanist culture in Italy. Arrighi’s manual demonstrates not only the practical skill of creating beautiful letters, but also the Renaissance humanist idea of mastering both intellectual thought and its physical manifestation. The image is centered on the tools required for writing: a quill knife and a pen. Arrighi’s work invites us to consider the socio-economic status of writing and literacy during the period. Who had the ability to read and write and what did that access afford them? As literacy expanded, so did the potential for social mobility and political agency. Arrighi's writing manuals reflect the cultural shifts of his time and offer a window into how knowledge was disseminated and valued. Through his artistic skill, Arrighi helped shape how people communicated and expressed themselves.