Agnieszka Bernas - Cassia - Reinterpreting Medieval Gesture and Rhythm

A typeface inspired by the Beneventan manuscript tradition, translating the irregular rhythm, movement, and expressive imperfections of medieval calligraphy into a contemporary typographic voice.

Contemporary display typeface inspired by the Beneventan script tradition of medieval Monte Cassino and informed by calligraphic practice.

Cassia draws inspiration from the Beneventan script tradition developed in southern Italy and closely associated with the scribes of Monte Cassino. Historical letterforms were studied through manuscript sources, including Vat. lat. 1202, and through contemporary calligraphic practice.

Rather than a strict historical reconstruction, Cassia preserves the distinctive character of Beneventan letterforms while introducing subtle adaptations for contemporary design use.

Beneventan letterforms were explored through direct calligraphic practice. Writing them by hand revealed their rhythm, structure and movement, informing the final typeface design.