Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
EGYPTIAN
Serifa
Additional Egyptian fonts
Egyptian or slab serif typefaces first appeared
in the early nineteenth century and enjoyed
great popularity. Their bold, machinelike
qualities offered a dynamic expression of
the industrial age. During the Industrial
Revolution, letterpress printers delighted in
using bold, slab serif display fonts to give
their messages graphic impact (Fig.
13-5
).
Rectangular serifs, uniform or almost uniform
stroke weight, and geometric letterform
construction give Egyptian typefaces a bold,
abstract quality. Egyptian styles whose abrupt
right-angle joinery is tempered by curved
bracketing include the Clarendon, Century,
and Cheltenham type families.
13-5
Broadsheet, 1849. This slab serif display type has
been lightly inked, and the textured grain of the wooden
type is clearly visible, as in the words
St. Nicholas
.
