Modern Fraktur
What is Fraktur?
Fraktur is a form of folk art that originated in Europe but became more elaborate among emigrant communities in Pennsylvania fleeing religious persecution, reaching the height of popularity circa 1790 and 1830.
Public Domain Review Baptismal Certificate c.1785
Public Domain Review Baptismal certificate of Catarina Titzlir, c. 1765
Public Domain Review Birth certificate of Georg Mayer, c. 1805
Named for the angular, heavy script commonly used on documents, fraktur was a form of decoration, commonly illustrations of flowers, birds, religious imagery, and hearts, around the edges of formal documents such as baptismal records, marriage certificates, and land deeds.Each scribe who put pen to paper embellished important documents informed by their unique imaginations, creating everyday, unique works of art.What Might Modern Fraktur Look Like?
In an era where formal documents are recognized by their uniformity--indeed, official records are expressly characterized by their reproducibility--could there be a place for handmade embellishments in archival documentation?Taking the traditional structure of fraktur, I expanded the themes to incorporate modern iconography. There is room in the digital space for memorializing important events in ways that create thoughtful gifts.Both unique and reproducible, these artworks are a springboard for personalization. Feel free to download and modify them for your own significant records.
