New Künstlichs Modelbuch (Page 44 recto) 1600

This is page 44 recto from Bernhard Jobin's *New Künstlichs Modelbuch*, a woodcut print now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The dominant visual element is the intricate patterning, organized into three distinct horizontal bands. Each band presents a dense lattice of floral and zoomorphic forms meticulously rendered through the stark contrast of black ink on a light background. The composition emphasizes repetition and symmetry, creating a visual rhythm that invites the eye to trace each motif and connecting line. This structured layout reflects the book’s function as a model book for artisans seeking patterns for embroidery or other decorative crafts. By presenting these patterns in a modular, grid-like format, Jobin effectively democratizes design, making it accessible to a wide audience. This challenges traditional notions of artistic originality and authorship. Instead it positions the designer as a facilitator, providing a framework within which others can create. In its emphasis on replicability, the Modelbuch anticipates later developments in mass production and distribution. It recasts art not as a unique object, but as a set of repeatable instructions.