Garaldes are serif typefaces born in the Renaissance, in the 16th century, named after Claude Garamont and the Venetian printer Aldus Manutius. More refined than Humanist serifs, they have moderate contrast, an oblique axis and a horizontal bar on the "e".
Where to see it
Garaldes are everywhere in literary publishing, where Garamond, Bembo and Sabon set countless novels. Apple also made one its signature for nearly twenty years with Apple Garamond, a condensed version used in its advertising until the early 2000s.
Why this detail matters
Garaldes remain a reference for setting long texts:
- Their moderate contrast and regular rhythm make long pages very comfortable to read;
- They naturally evoke culture, books and publishing tradition;
- Their horizontal "e" bar and oblique axis make it possible to tell them apart from Humanist serifs and Transitional typefaces.
Related term
Humanist serifs are the first roman typefaces, of which Garaldes are a more refined evolution.