Modelbuch aller Art Nehens vn Stickens (Page 4r) 1535

This is a page from a book, printed in Germany in the mid-16th century by Christian Egenolff, presenting patterns for needlework. The image is made from ink on paper, using a printing process called woodcut. Notice the abstract designs, like the geometric infill patterns or the stylized botanical sprigs, all rendered with crisp black lines. These precise printed patterns are themselves a product of skilled labor and design. The designs could be directly copied by embroiderers, lacemakers, or other textile workers. Such pattern books played a crucial role in the history of craft and design. By disseminating patterns widely, they shaped tastes and trends. They were integral to a growing economy of skilled labor, as textiles became increasingly important as markers of status and wealth. This page reminds us that craft is not just about individual skill, but also about broader networks of production, distribution, and consumption. By considering the material and the making, we can better appreciate the full social and economic context of these intricate designs.