Modelbuch aller Art Nehens vn Stickens (Page 7v) 1535

This is page 7v from "Modelbuch aller Art Nehens vn Stickens," made in the mid-16th century by Christian Egenolff. Printed in Germany, the book is made of bound paper, with designs created by a relief woodcut process. The designs show patterns that could be stitched or sewn. The book’s very existence speaks to the rise of a printmaking industry, which mechanized the dissemination of imagery. The relatively clean, crisp nature of the lines is a direct result of the carving process; each line had to be carefully cut into the woodblock. The texture of the paper itself is also important, providing a slightly absorbent surface that would have been suitable for transferring the designs onto fabric. Such a book would have been an invaluable resource for artisans and home crafters alike, allowing them to create elaborate and fashionable textiles. Consider the labor involved, not only in the making of textiles, but also the printing of the pattern books themselves. This one object embodies the transition between handcraft and mass production.