Schön newes Modelbuch (Page 56r) 1608

Sigismundus Latomus created this page from "Schön newes Modelbuch" using woodcut printing, a technique that democratized design in the early 17th century. The process begins with a block of wood. The artist carves away the areas that should not receive ink, leaving the design raised. Ink is then applied to the block, and paper pressed against it, transferring the image. The bold contrast we see comes from the stark choice of what to cut away. This wasn't fine art, but rather a pattern book that was used as a reference for artisans; dressmakers, embroiderers, and other textile workers. Each page offered a range of motifs that could be adapted and incorporated into their work. The book provided inspiration and facilitated the creation of fashionable, patterned textiles for a growing market, linking design directly to the burgeoning world of consumer goods. Looking closely, we can appreciate how this method spread design ideas, challenging the traditional hierarchy between artist and artisan.