In the late 1800s, John F. Cumming cut
several display
typefaces in the same genre: square, condensed, with descending
swashes and ornamental terminals. Rubens appears to be
the earliest of these designs, released
sometime between 1881–84. Also sold by Pavyers & Bullens, Shah
Kikhabhoi (as Antiqua Condensed), FTF (as Moscovites)
[Reichardt 2011] and Gans (as Latina
Moderna).
Harrild & Sons had
a wood type version incl. an
Expanded style.
Photo-Lettering’s version spans 3 weights, 3 widths, 2 opens and
a Rubens Antique with rough contours. Their
Rubens 10 is actually based on the heavier
Othello (Central Type Foundry, c.1884–92).
There are many digital revivals, but none are very refined or
complete, missing various alternate glyphs. More…
In the late 1800s, John F. Cumming cut several display typefaces in the same genre: square, condensed, with descending swashes and ornamental terminals. Rubens appears to be the earliest of these designs, released sometime between 1881–84. Also sold by Pavyers & Bullens, Shah Kikhabhoi (as Antiqua Condensed), FTF (as Moscovites) [Reichardt 2011] and Gans (as Latina Moderna).
Harrild & Sons had a wood type version incl. an Expanded style.
Photo-Lettering’s version spans 3 weights, 3 widths, 2 opens and a Rubens Antique with rough contours. Their Rubens 10 is actually based on the heavier Othello (Central Type Foundry, c.1884–92).
There are many digital revivals, but none are very refined or complete, missing various alternate glyphs. Ravenscroft (used for our sample) and Mansion are the most comprehensive.
