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BODONI The Timeless Typeface
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ABCDEFGH IJKLNOPQR STUVWXYZ 1234567890
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ABCDEFGH IJKLNOPQR STUVWXYZ 1234567890 &!?@#$%[]{}()^*’”/<>+=:;,. Bauer Bodoni Italic
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odoni was created by the Italian type designer Giambattista Bodoni in 1798.This modern typeface was inspired by transitional style typefaces such as Baskerville. He carefully studied the designs of French type founders such as Didot and Fournier. The sharp contrasts between thick and thin strokes evoke the elegance and sobriety of the font. Bodoni published his â&#x20AC;&#x153;Manuale Tipograficoâ&#x20AC;? in 1818; punches were handmade, therefore there are slight differences in the shape of sizes.
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a Bauer Bodoni
Linotype Didot
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Linotype Didot
AA WW ee ff yy Xx Xx
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“Non v’è rosa “Non v’è rosa “Non v’è rosa “Non v’è rosa
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senza spina” senza spina” senza spina”
Bodoni Std Book
Bodoni Std Roman
Bauer Bodoni Roman
senza spina”
Bauer Bodoni Bold
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uring the age of metal type, almost every type foundry had its own adaptation of Bodoni. Therefore today we find that there is a range of adaptations, each with its own distinctive flavor. This typeface is generally not suited for setting big bodies of text. The reason being the verticality of the letter forms interferes with the text’s horizontal rhythm. Since we read left to right, bodoni tends to lead our eyes up and down. The serifs of Bodoni, besides from being very thin, are also almost perpendicular to the main stem. This contrasts with the gently sloping serifs called “oldstyle” typefaces. In addition, the emphasis of stress is very nearly vertical.
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Bauer Bodoni Black
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odoni was widely used during the 18th century, being the font choice of numerous Italian books and newspapers. Bodoni was also part of the modern 18th century fashion that grew for faces with a stronger contrast between the thick and thins, unbracketed serifs, and strong vertical stress, whereas all the older type faces became to be known as old style.
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123 456 789 Bodoni Std Poster
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123 456 789 Bodoni Std Poster Italic
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Tutte le strade co Ă&#x2C6; meglio aver p Del male non fare Cui niente sa, di
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onducono a Roma poco che niente e paura non avere i niente dubita Bodoni Poster Compressed
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B
esides being the logotype for high-end fashion labels, Bodoni is also used in fashion magazine spreads, magazine covers and posters, due to its pleasant aesthetics when set in bigger sizes. Open just about any fashion magazine, and you’ll spot a Bodoni or Didone. (it reads as “very expensive”) There’s something rather clinical about the Moderns, especially in the roman capitals. Their vertical axis coupled with strong horizontal stress furnishes them with the stiffness of toy soldiers on parade. They are elegant, and like all things elegant, look unhurried, calm, and in control.
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riginally created for setting text in books, Bodoni has become an essential visual communication component for a great number of corporations. In fashion we see “Giorgio Armani”, in tourism the “Hilton Hotels”, in entertainment the musical “Mama Mia” in technology “IBM”. At the same time we can also find bodoni in books and magazines. We can say without any doubt that Bodoni is synonymous with creation and artistic sensibility.
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