Belldonna Type Specimen

Belladonna, designed by Hildegard Henning in 1912, is believed to be the first German Typeface created by a woman. The typeface, often called a "Kartenschrift" or card typeface, was designed for use on invitations, menus, and brief passages of poetry, highlighting its versatility for jobbing printers. 

Belladonna's elegant and intricate design defied traditional gender norms, demonstrating that feminine aesthetics could be impactful and expressive. However, Belladonna's limited presence in specimen books and eventual discontinuation in 1928 also underlines the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated design world. 

Belladonna's legacy serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of female designers, paving the way for future generations while highlighting the barriers women had to overcome in the design industry.