Ce est ung tractat de la noble art de leguille ascavoir ouvraiges de spaigne... page 9 (verso) 1527 - 1540

Editor: Here we have a page from "Ce est ung tractat de la noble art de leguille ascavoir ouvraiges de spaigne...," created sometime between 1527 and 1540, attributed to Willem Vosterman. It's a print on paper featuring geometric patterns. I find the repeating shapes hypnotic, almost like an early form of op art. What jumps out at you when you look at this page? Curator: Well, my darling editor, it's a peep into the 16th century’s Pinterest! Seriously, these pattern books were hugely influential. Forget swiping, can you imagine painstakingly recreating one of these designs? Think of it: the subtle drama between dark ink and creamy paper… Each tiny shape holding centuries of needlework tradition in its pixelated little heart. Editor: Pixelated, exactly! So, this was meant as a practical guide, then? Curator: Precisely! It wasn’t just decoration for decoration’s sake, it was a manual. A how-to for aspiring embroiderers keen on the ‘Spanish style’. Look at how they’re broken down. A crafter would choose a band to painstakingly copy! Editor: It’s amazing to think about the hours of work inspired by this one page. Are those geometric designs typical of the time? Curator: Absolutely, especially Spanish blackwork embroidery, using black silk on linen, a classic of the Tudor era! The geometry provided structure and allowed for intricate detailing with simple stitches. You’d find similar motifs everywhere, from textiles to tile work. Now I’m thinking, what if this was inspiration for early computer graphics? A pre-digital fractal dream. Editor: Ha! I love that idea! So much history and possibility hidden in what looks like a simple page. Curator: Exactly, my dear, sometimes the smallest things hold the grandest stories. I have gained a new appreciation for what at first look looked austere and limited. Editor: Same here! Who knew a pattern book could be so thought-provoking?