New Künstlichs Modelbuch (Page 3 recto) 1600

This is a page from "New Künstlichs Modelbuch," made by Bernhard Jobin around 1560, using woodcut on paper. It's essentially a pattern book, a collection of designs intended to be copied. Note how the woodcut technique lends itself to a grid-like aesthetic. It's ideally suited for patterns to be realized in needlework or weaving, where the structure of the textile provides an inherent geometric framework. The griffin motif is carefully composed, using positive and negative space in equal measure. It speaks of a culture that highly valued handwork, particularly textiles. The printing of pattern books was part of an early capitalist system. Labor was divided, and the designs could be spread widely, allowing for highly skilled work to be emulated by others. So, this seemingly simple page is a window into a complex history of labor, skill, and the early days of mass production. It reminds us that even in the age of automation, the human hand continues to shape our world.