Modelbuch aller Art Nehens vn Stickens (Page 8r) 1535

This is a page from Modelbuch aller Art Nehens vn Stickens, a book of embroidery patterns printed in the mid-16th century by Christian Egenolff in Germany. The repeating patterns of vines, flowers, and geometric shapes give us insight into the visual culture of the time, but this book also tells us about the social role of women. Embroidery was a common pastime and a valuable skill, so pattern books like this one helped standardize techniques and spread new styles. They provided women with a way to express themselves and beautify their homes, as well as a means of contributing to the household economy. To fully understand this book, we can look at probate inventories, household accounts, and surviving examples of needlework. These resources help us understand the meanings that needlework had for the women who made it and the societies in which they lived. Studying art in its social and institutional context allows us to understand it more thoroughly.