Neu künstlich Modelbuch (page 15r) 1598

This is a page from "Neu künstlich Modelbuch," or New Artificial Pattern Book, created by Bernhard Jobin in the 16th century. The book’s graphic, high-contrast designs immediately capture our attention. The image is divided into three distinct horizontal bands, each filled with intricate patterns. Notice how Jobin uses a grid as the foundational structure to organize dense arrangements of flora, fauna, and heraldic motifs. The stark contrast between black ink and the off-white paper creates a striking visual texture, almost like a woven tapestry rendered in print. This particular page showcases the era's interest in ornament and the dissemination of design ideas through printmaking. The grid system can be seen as a precursor to modern modular design, where elements are organized within a structured framework. This page isn't just a pattern; it's a window into the early modern world's evolving relationship with visual information and design.