Page from Ein new kunstlich Modelbuch...(Page 19v) 1544

This is a woodcut on paper, made by Peter Quentel in Cologne, Germany, in the first half of the sixteenth century. This page comes from a model book, or pattern book, intended for use by artisans. Books like this give us insight into the guilds and workshops of the period. The rise of printmaking allowed for the widespread dissemination of designs, and the standardization of craft production. Notice the vertical arrangement of patterns which suggests borders for textiles or tapestries, and how the artist incorporates both natural forms and heraldic symbols. The presence of vegetal motifs references the natural world, a common feature in early textiles. Understanding this print requires that we examine the history of craft production in the early modern period, as well as the circulation of images. Researching the archives of the printing industry will enable us to form a deeper understanding of the social and economic context of its creation. What did it mean for artisans to see their designs in print? How did this change their relationship to their work? This is what historical research can reveal about works of art like this one.