In November 2014 Hoefler & Co. released Quarto.
Quarto is a modern adaptation of the Van den Keere style, designed for use at sixteen point and above. We selected Van den Keere’s Two-Line Double Pica Roman of 1570–1573 as a foundation for the family, an arresting design marked by striking dramatic tensions.
Its consistently dark strokes are offset by bright, crisp serifs; its resolute verticality is punctuated by moments of lavish roundness. This theme of “controlled contrast” helped propel Quarto into territory unexplored by Van den Keere, including an italic whose fluid motions are checked by a steadfast rhythm, and heavier weights whose density is invigorated by sudden geometric turns and sharp corners.
Like the Baroque models that inspired it, Quarto’s large x-height, short descenders, and trim serifs invite both tight tracking and solid leading, making it an excellent choice for headlines both in print and on screen.
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