Eduard Riedel - 'Sammlung von Originalplanen und Skizzen' 1830 to 1860s

16th century marks an appearance of first copybooks printed from engraved metal plates. Various forms of the secretary hand get reproduced in printing. Publishers also take advantage of the metal engraving process by presenting free-form letters drawn in thin outlines, something beyond the capabilities of the woodcut.

Letterform artifacts for graphic designers, type designers, type foundries, calligraphers, lettering artists, graffiti artists, fine press printers, book artists. The most basic component of typography is the letter, and each letter of the alphabet is distinguished by its unique shape or letterform.