Schön newes Modelbuch (Page 70r) 1608

This is a page from the Schön newes Modelbuch, a book of embroidery patterns designed by Sigismundus Latomus, printed sometime in the early 17th century. Model books like this one played a vital role in the transmission of design ideas across Europe. They were pattern books showing a range of designs used for embroidery and other textile arts. They catered to a growing market of women who were increasingly involved in textile production, both as a domestic activity and as a source of income. The geometric designs seen here reflect a broader interest in mathematical precision and order that characterized the Renaissance. The black and white format was typical for printed pattern books, making them easier to reproduce. These books also fostered a sense of shared visual culture, and women would have used them to display their knowledge of contemporary trends. To understand this image better, we can consult trade records and inventories to understand the market for textiles in the 17th century. By studying these patterns, we are able to explore the social lives of women.