New Künstlichs Modelbuch (Page 18 recto) 1600

This is page 18 recto from "New Künstlichs Modelbuch," made by Bernhard Jobin around the late 16th century. During this time, printed model books served as guides for the rising number of women engaging in needlework. Printed in woodcut, this page presents patterns in three horizontal rows of geometrical, floral and possibly lettered motifs, reflecting the era's evolving aesthetic and literacy. These books were not merely instructional; they were a reflection of a changing society where women's domestic skills contributed to the household's economic stability. Each stitch was a mark of identity and status, embodying a deeply personal expression within a rigid social structure. Consider the intimacy of these designs, intended to be translated into fabric by the hands of women, each pattern a potential narrative, a quiet assertion of self. Jobin’s "Modelbuch" gives us a glimpse into the lives and artistic practices of women in the 16th century. It is both a historical document and a testament to the enduring human need for creative expression.