Ein ney Furmbüchlein, Page 14, recto 1520 - 1530

This is page 14 from “Ein ney Furmbüchlein,” created in the 16th century by Johann Schönsperger the Younger, a German printer and woodcut artist. During the Renaissance, pattern books like this one played a crucial role in disseminating artistic ideas. As Europe recovered from the plague, the printing press allowed for a wider distribution of knowledge, fueling a desire for new forms of expression. These ornamental designs, featuring grotesque figures and classical motifs, reflect the era's fascination with antiquity, and the human body. The woodcut allows a democratization of art. Consider the gendered and classed nature of labor in the printmaking industry, and the way books moved through society. Schönsperger’s pattern book did more than just offer designs; it participated in the cultural dialogue that continues to shape our aesthetic landscape.