The typeface Kis Antiqua Now, redesigned by Erhard Kaiser and Hildegard Korger for Typoart in the 1980s, is a meticulous modern adaptation of the historical Kis Antiqua, originally crafted by Hungarian type designer Nicolas Kis in the 17th century. Kis's design work combined Baroque elegance with high contrast and precise, delicate lines, making his typefaces highly legible and refined, qualities that set them apart from others of his time

Typoart undertook a detailed revival of Kis Antiqua as a typeface suited for photocomposition, assigning Hildegard Korger to adapt it according to precise technical and aesthetic criteria. Under the supervision of Prof. Albert Kapr, Korger approached this challenge with traditional tools—pencil, brush, tempera, and cardboard—initially working with unit-based widths as required by the Monotype system. However, as Typoart introduced digital technologies in 1978, Korger leveraged 54 units per character and implemented proportional adjustments, introducing italic-specific measures and character overhangs for smoother horizontal alignment and improved spacing.

This digital adaptation marked a breakthrough, giving Korger greater freedom to balance Kis's original forms with enhanced readability for contemporary text setting. After some trial and refinement, the team adapted the font to different sizes, customizing smaller text grades for openness and larger ones for tighter letter spacing. This transformation allowed Typoart Kis Antiqua to maintain a historical aesthetic while serving as a versatile and expressive body typeface, keeping the balance between authenticity and functionality for print and digital applications.

In 2006, Elsner+Flake decided to release an updated OpenType Pro version of Typoart Kis Antiqua. Elsner+Flake, after consulting with Korger, entrusted Leipzig-based designer Erhard Kaiser to refine the existing forms and contours, removing any inconsistencies caused by earlier digital conversions. The new Kis Antiqua Now family extends the original type resulting in a comprehensive six-weight collection that respects Kis's classical influence while enhancing versatility for modern use. (hs)