Neu künstlich Modelbuch (page 29r) 1598

Editor: Here we have a page from *Neu künstlich Modelbuch* created in 1598 by Bernhard Jobin. It is an ink print on paper. The patterns have this graphic quality that reminds me a lot of needlepoint. What is your take on this design book? Curator: What I find striking is how this book embodies a tension. On one hand, it served as a practical guide, offering patterns for embroidery and lacemaking, skills deeply associated with domesticity and femininity. But let’s not forget the socio-economic context. Who had access to these books? Who could afford the materials and the leisure to engage in such crafts? Editor: So, these patterns weren't for everyone? Curator: Precisely. This "model book," while seemingly innocent, reinforces existing power structures. The act of creation, the application of these patterns, was both an expression of skill and a quiet affirmation of social status. These intricate designs acted as visual signals of wealth and privilege. Consider, too, how the circulation of these books fostered a particular aesthetic, potentially marginalizing other forms of artistic expression. Do you think this could apply to today's trends as well? Editor: That's interesting, it shifts how I see something as simple as a pattern book. I will definitely think twice about that now. Thank you. Curator: Of course. Recognizing the layered meanings within art is fundamental to understanding its role in shaping our world.