Modelbuch aller Art Nehens vn Stickens (Page 13r) 1535

This page, from Christian Egenolff’s 16th-century “Modelbuch aller Art Nehens vn Stickens,” or model book for sewing and embroidery, presents a series of bird patterns rendered in woodcut. The starkness of the medium suits the intended purpose, making it easy to trace the forms. Woodcut is a relief printing process, where the image is carved into a block of wood, leaving the design raised. Ink is then applied to this surface and the image is transferred to paper. The crisp lines and bold contrasts we see here are characteristic of the technique. The materiality of the wood itself, with its grain and resistance to the cutting tool, influences the final appearance of the prints. The process requires patience and skill, as the artist must carefully carve away the negative space to reveal the image. These model books were essential tools for artisans. They facilitated the widespread dissemination of design ideas, impacting the aesthetics of textiles and other decorative arts. By understanding the means of production—the labor, the materials, and the context—we gain a richer appreciation for the cultural significance of even the simplest image.