Neu künstlich Modelbuch (page 37r) 1598

This is page 37r from *Neu künstlich Modelbuch*, a book of embroidery patterns made by Bernhard Jobin around the late 16th century. During this time, pattern books played a crucial role in spreading artistic ideas and techniques across Europe. Printed in black ink, the repeating patterns of vases, flowers, and borders would have been templates for artisans, especially women, to follow in creating elaborate needlework. These designs reflect not just artistic expression but also the social fabric of the time. Embroidery was a valued skill, embodying both personal expression and the communication of social status, given the time and resources required for such intricate work. These pattern books allowed for the transmission of not only design but also cultural values and identities, as families and communities adapted and passed on traditional motifs. The book allows us to explore how art intertwines with daily life, reflecting and shaping the identities of those who engaged with it.