Gradl Highstep is an archetypical Art Nouveau face by the prolific and mysterious Max Joseph Gradl. It epitomizes the visual language of elegance and sophistication. It seems strange that so little information is available today about Max Gradl: He seems to have been well known in his day. In addition to his jewelry design, he did advertising work for customers in Naples, London and New York in addition to customers in cities all over Germany. Gradl Highstep is an all-cap font with a wide range of ligatures: 094=SA, 123=CH, 125=CK, 126=TS, 167=FA, 172=PA, 177=TA, 188=WA and 190=YA. In addtion, 137=Gradl’s dated monogram “MJG 1903,” 175=LLC abbreviation, 181=alternate S. This is a subtle font with thin, variable strokes. It is best used at 28 points and larger to give it the presence it needs to be be appreciated. Gradl Highstep Initials is a companion font, incorporating a deft line drawing of a fashionable woman of the period who is every bit as elegant as the underlying font.

Herold is a bold Art Nouveau advertising face released by H. Berthold, Berlin, Germany in 1901. It is also seen under the name “Herold Reklame.” The design is attributed to Hermann Hoffmann by the Klingspor Museum. A herold (‘herald’ in English, ‘heraldus’ in Latin) is one who delivers proclamations and announcements. Medieval heralds are often pictured with a horn with which to get everyone’s attention prior to performing his function. His only PA system was his own voice. Left and right glyphs of a herald with horn may be found at positions 137 and 172. Herold is quite compact with a high x-height, just right for making -- what else? -- announcements.