La Pratique de l'Aiguille, page 26 (recto) 1605

This is a page from ‘La Pratique de l'Aiguille,’ or ‘The Practice of the Needle,’ by Matthias Mignerak. It is an instruction manual showing the patterns and practice of needlework. This book demonstrates the cultural significance of needlework, especially for women in the early modern period. The grid system visible here shows how to realize complex patterns that would feature naturalistic motifs, like the birds, fruit and foliage of this design. The image thus reflects the knowledge required to create fine objects of luxury. Such skills occupied an interesting place in the social hierarchy. On the one hand, they were seen as domestic accomplishments. But on the other, these demanding skills could also be harnessed for commercial ends. So needlework, as displayed in the image, occupies a space between art, craft, and labor, and offers insight into the economy of its time.