Non-linear line ordering

[tavie]

If the gallow was written after the top line, why make it so big that it extends over the above glyph?

If we did imagine that the lines were written in reverse order, you could still ask the opposite question:  why does the descender intrude into the gallows glyph?  It could have been avoided either way.  

I do find this interesting, though, and hope to write something up soon.  

On the question of whether the lines are written out of order, here are some links you may find useful:

• This thread - You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. - since it considers the possibility of lines written out of order.  
  
• You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. by Rene (showing potential changes of ink and possibly order of writing) is also relevant.
  
• And - getting in here before Jorge - You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. may also be relevant, since it is possible some glyphs could have been retouched.