Ce est ung tractat de la noble art de leguille ascavoir ouvraiges de spaigne... page 8 (verso) 1527 - 1540

This is page 8 from Willem Vosterman’s book on needlework, a woodcut printed sometime in the 16th century. The technique itself is quite simple: a design is carved into a block of wood, inked, and then pressed onto paper. But the effect is dazzling: an array of intricate, geometric patterns, each a testament to the skill of the designer and the craftsperson who translated them into the print. Consider that these designs were not conceived as mere decoration, but as practical guides for the creation of textiles. The book provided visual instruction for intricate embroidery and needlepoint, effectively democratizing these skills. It allowed for the dissemination of design ideas, influencing the production and consumption of textiles. In this way, Vosterman's "tractat" is more than just a pattern book. It's a fascinating example of how printmaking could transform craft into a powerful tool for social and economic change.