Reading and writing manuscripts: digital quill and support in paleographical practice

Abstract

From a perspective based on traditional paleography in dialogue with digital paleography, this article presents the application of new resources for reading and writing manuscripts. To do so, we proceed with paleographic methods using a digitizing tablet model CTL 4100 (Wacom) brand, and, as a manuscript model, the folio 94r from the Book of Hours, dated between the 14^th and 15^th centuries. The selected fragment was a prayer from Saint Luke, in which we were able to extract examples of characteristics from the Gothic writings and show that, with its own tools, digital paleography allows and facilitates the exercise of paleographic reading and the practice of copying, leading the researcher to a greater understanding of the writing process of the material author. We also intend, based on the exposed observations, to discuss the use of technological means as a facilitating alternative in the application of philological didactic practices, directed to the paleographic reading of documents and writing execution.