Glossary Term Definition
A vertical or near-vertical stress axis in letterforms, characteristic of Neoclassical and Romantic typefaces.
Definition
The rationalist axis describes a vertical or near-vertical orientation of stroke stress in letterforms, in contrast to the tilted humanist axis that reflects the natural angle of a broad-nib pen held in the right hand. Rationalist axis letterforms emerge from the Enlightenment-era desire to construct letters from geometric principles rather than calligraphic ones. Typefaces by Bodoni, Didot, and Walbaum exemplify the rationalist axis, with their vertical stress, abrupt contrast, and mechanical regularity.
Source
No access — Robert Bringhurst — p. 343:
A vertical axis, typical of Neoclassical and Romantic letterforms.