English Roundhand X

"With my last post, Galaxy script, I used a rather rare form of English Roundhand looping x which generated some interest. So I thought it a good opportunity to provide a bit of analysis of the English Roundhand letter x…

C & E
The 'c' and 'e' are identical but for the finishing strokes. The 'e's second stroke begins as that of the 'c' but continues down to the medial area of the main stroke. These two letters are shown because their shapes also create the x. One will notice that the overlapping of the two main strokes creates the illusion of a somewhat straight compound stroke that follows the slope angle.

The Common X
The right half of the standard English Roundhand small 'x' is the same as a 'c'. The left half (the first half) is essentially an inverted 'c' only the base extends farther to the left to provide a fuller base and optically more pleasing character balance and terminates with a ball lobe. The lobe was almost always placed over the commencing hairline.

The Looping X
The looping x is very similar to the formation of an inverted & upright 'e' but with some subtle adjustments. The hairline crosses the main stem slightly above the mathematical centerline. This is for two reasons: 1) The optical center of a shape is slightly higher than true center. 2) Crossing above the centerline allows for a slightly smaller upper loop and slightly larger lower loop, which gives the character a more substantial base and helps the character from looking top heavy.

The ductus for the looping x may be done in a variety of ways…
1) In 1 continuous move, then the loop extremities retouched.
2) In 3 pulled strokes: The left main "inverted e" stroke without the lower loop. Then the right half "e" stroke without the upper loop. Then the finishing loop beginning from the upper right, crossing slightly above centerline, then joining the base of the first inverted stroke.
3) In 4 pulled strokes: The left main "inverted e" stroke without the lower loop. Then the right half "e" stroke without the upper loop. The upper right loop from the branch to the stem. Then the lower left loop from the stem to the base branch.

Method 1 gives the best flow-continuity. However, methods 2 & 3 provide the best ink & weight control."

~ 2011, Don Marsh~
©2011 Don Marsh