Eyn new kunstlichboich, page 12r 1529

Page 12r from *Eyn new kunstlich boich*, was made by Peter Quentel around the early 16th century. The book is deceptively simple. At first glance, it is a page of geometric patterns in black ink. Consider the grid. The upper half of the page features a pattern of repeating diamonds, each filled with smaller diamond shapes. The lower half mirrors this, yet the overall pattern is tilted, destabilizing the rigid structure. The book is not merely decorative; it represents a profound engagement with structure and order. Quentel uses a formal, almost mathematical approach to art. Each small mark, each intersection, contributes to a larger whole that questions fixed perspectives. The tilt in the lower half acts as a disruption, inviting us to reconsider our assumptions about symmetry. This is more than just ink on paper; it is a study in visual language and a testament to the power of abstraction to challenge fixed meanings and create space for new interpretations.