Pierre Didot

François-Ambroise had two sons, Pierre (called Pierre l’aîné; 1761–1853), who took over his father’s printing office, and Firmin (c. 1765–1836), who assumed responsibility for his father’s typefoundry. Pierre published acclaimed editions of Virgil, Horace, La Fontaine, and Racine. Firmin designed the Didot typeface. He also invented stereotypes (plates cast…

Pierre Didot (known as Pierre l’aîné) achieved technical perfection in his printing of the lavish éditions du Louvre. In these designs, Pierre utilized types designed at his brother Firmin’s foundry, which provided a crisp counterpoint to the engraved illustrations by various artists working in the…