On first viewing, Amalia presents an attractive tension between the deeply familiar and that agreeable tingly sense of nearly imperceptible novelty. Looking closely reveals a type family quietly breaking conventions of matching serifs, modes of contrast, and letter shape — all to good effect.
Amalia is as masterful in its italic and small caps as in its roman. In fact, the italics are surprisingly pleasant to read. With its classically Dutch set of proportions, Amalia feels open and approachable despite its Didone contrast usually associated with formality and authority. It also features a finely restrained but almost cheeky exuberance. Amalia is a breath of fresh air, deserving the attention of both type designers and users. — Eben Sorkin