Page from Ein new kunstlich Modelbuch...(Page 21v) 1544

This is a page from Peter Quentel’s model book, a woodcut showcasing patterns intended for textile and needlework. The symbols present are geometric and repetitive, each band offering a different motif, from cross-like figures to diamond patterns, and what capture my eye, wheel-like designs. The wheel, or circle, is a powerful symbol in this context, a motif that transcends cultures. Think of the sun wheels of ancient cultures, symbols of cyclical time, or the Celtic cross, where the cross is contained within a circle. The wheel resonates with notions of recurrence and eternity. What's fascinating is how these forms resurface, adapting to new cultural landscapes yet retaining a primal connection to our collective memory. The emotional power of these symbols lies in their ability to evoke a sense of continuity and connection to past generations. This pattern book allows a deep, almost subconscious dialogue, evoking the timeless human impulse to adorn and create.