Page from Ein new kunstlich Modelbuch...(Page 25r) 1544

This is a page from Peter Quentel’s “Ein new kunstlich Modelbuch,” a model book made in Cologne, Germany, in the 16th century. These books were pattern books for artisans, and this page showcases intricate geometric designs for textiles and needlework. Printed pattern books became popular at a time when there was a growing merchant class, and an increasing number of people who wanted to engage in new forms of fashion and display their wealth. Model books like this one served as a means of disseminating design ideas and influencing fashion trends across Europe. They also speak to the relationship between art, commerce, and social status during the Renaissance. The book was made using woodcut printing, which allowed for the mass production and distribution of design ideas, impacting the textile industry. To fully understand its significance, historical records, guild archives, and studies of period fashion and textile production are helpful. The design reflects broader social and cultural trends, and the relationship between art, commerce, and social status during the Renaissance.