Specimen des nouveaux caracteres de la fonderie et de l'imprimerie de P. Didot, l'aine
The pattern
This still is filed under Specimen as proof.
Define
A specimen (type, material, finish) is shown so the product proves itself under comparison.
Mechanism
Controlled display. Same conditions, side by side, no adjective required. The sample is the sentence.
Verdict
Buyers choose by eye or by hand and we can put the real thing in front of them.
Why it works
The image captures the physical history of the object rather than its designed intent.
Steal this when
You are documenting the provenance and physical condition of historical artifacts. *Collection note: The Didot house style in its own specimen - extreme contrast, hairline serifs, huge white space.* ---