Ein new Modelbuch..., page 12 (verso) 1524

This page comes from a model book, printed by Johann Schönsperger the Younger in Augsburg around 1530, using woodcut on paper. Model books like this were pattern sources for artisans. The woodcut process involves carving a design into a block of wood, inking the surface, and then pressing it onto paper. Look closely, and you can see the crisp lines and textures achieved through this relief printing method, where the raised areas create the image. The bold, graphic quality of the black ink against the paper results in a striking visual impact, and the pattern becomes endlessly reproducible. This wasn't fine art, but rather a functional object, a tool for tradespeople, connecting artistic skill with the broader economy. The act of printing made designs accessible, fueling creativity across different workshops and social classes. Appreciating this print means recognizing the ingenuity and labor involved in its production, blurring the boundaries between art, craft, and commerce.