Vatican, Microsoft launch digital font inspired by Michelangelo’s handwriting

Writing with the distinctive hand of one of the Renaissance’s greatest geniuses is now possible. Marking the 400th anniversary of the consecration of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican and Microsoft have introduced “Michelangelus,” a new digital typeface faithfully modeled on the handwriting of Michelangelo Buonarroti.

The font, which will be incorporated into the latest versions of Microsoft Office, is expected to allow millions of users worldwide to draft digital documents in the recognizable handwritten style of the Florentine artist, best known in the Vatican for designing the iconic dome of St. Peter’s.

A tech partnership in service of cultural heritage

The project grew out of an ongoing collaboration between the Fabric of St. Peter — the Vatican body responsible for the basilica’s upkeep and conservation — and the technology company, which has previously participated in other initiatives connected to the basilica.

To develop Michelangelus, Microsoft engineers closely studied documents preserved in the Vatican archives, including letters and personal and technical notes, as well as detailed architectural plans from the period when the basilica was still under construction — many written in Michelangelo’s own hand.

The artist’s harmonious calligraphy, recognizable for its elongated strokes, was reproduced after a lengthy paleographic study of the parchments Michelangelo regularly sent to papal officials to share new ideas, request funding, or report on the progress of the work.

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, said the new font helps “the writing of the Renaissance genius” meet the digital age.

“Beyond the letters, the numbers handwritten by Michelangelo were represented in an impressive way: Each number seemed like a work of art,” the cardinal said during a Vatican presentation of activities planned to commemorate the basilica’s 1626 consecration by Pope Urban VIII.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News, and has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.