Schön newes Modelbuch (Page 6r) 1608

This is page 6r from "Schön newes Modelbuch," a work by Sigismundus Latomus, created around the early 17th century. The woodcut presents a striking interplay of black ink against the off-white paper, immediately drawing the eye to its dense, patterned surface. The composition is neatly divided into two distinct registers, each filled with geometric designs. The lower section, a field of tessellated squares, each one containing various symmetrical motifs. Above, a narrower band offers a different rhythm, using triangles and lozenges. The effect is almost dizzying. Considered through the lens of structuralism, the designs function as a language. Each motif is a sign, and the relationships between them create a visual syntax. Latomus invites us to read beyond mere decoration, to consider how these patterns might reflect broader cultural codes, perhaps related to social status, or even secret societies. This model book, beyond its aesthetic appeal, serves as a fascinating window into the early modern world, a time of burgeoning trade and elaborate visual culture.