Typotheque: About Thesaurus, a modern editorial typeface inspired by the Renaissance

Design Concept

Thesaurus blend particular features of the original metal types used by the Estienne family in Paris and Geneva with more contemporary characteristics such as a large x-height, narrower forms and increased modulation. The result is a versatile typeface with a rational flavour, with one foot in the past and one foot in the present.

Thesaurus is based on the types that Robert Estienne brought from Paris to Geneva, and in some way, serve as a bridge between France and Switzerland, between Catholicism and Protestantism, and now, through Thesaurus, between past and present.
Read more about the concept of Thesaurus in this in-depth essay ▸

Optical Sizes

Unlike the original types that inspired it, Thesaurus comes in multiple weights and two optical sizes (Thesaurus Text, Thesaurus Display) making it a great choice for practical text typography, and editorial design.

Swashes

Thesaurus contains a set of capital swash characters, typographical flourishes for the Italics. They can be used at larger sizes as initials, or to give text extra decorative touch.

Numerals

All weights of Thesaurus include ten different kinds of numerals. Proportional Old-style figures come as default figures in Thesaurus. It also, however, includes Lining figures, Tabular numerals (both lining and OsF), Small Caps numerals, superior, inferior, circled and circled inverted numerals (selectable via OpenType features).

OpenType features

Like all Typotheque fonts, Thesaurus includes Small Caps in all styles. Additionally, Thesaurus includes a wealth of other advanced OpenType features. For more information please see the PDF instructions, or the Features section.