Schön newes Modelbuch (Page 39r) 1608

This is page 39 from 'Schön newes Modelbuch,' or 'Beautiful New Model Book,' created by Sigismundus Latomus around the early 17th century, likely in Germany, using woodcut on paper. These books were pattern books, offering designs for embroidery and lace-making. Consider the context: in this period, textile work was central to women's domestic roles and economic contributions, but also how these pattern books were produced for a market. The designs themselves are geometric and symmetrical, reflecting the aesthetics of the time, but they also speak to a growing standardization and commercialization of craft. Artisans would use pattern books like this as a guide. It reflects the increasing accessibility of design ideas to a broader public. Understanding this image means looking at the history of printing, the textile industry, and the changing roles of women in early modern Europe. Researching these areas gives us insight into the social and economic forces that shaped the creation and use of this seemingly simple pattern.