Titlepage of Neu künstlich Modelbuch (page 1r) 1598

Bernhard Jobin created this woodcut title page for a needlework pattern book in Strasbourg in 1579. The image and text provide insight into the economic and social roles of women in the 16th century. The German text declares the book is for working “all kinds of artistic and fair patterns” for use on “lappets," or the decorative flaps on sleeves or caps. It was intended for needleworkers and pattern makers, and to provide helpful and understandable instruction. The image below the title shows women engaged in different stages of textile production and the sale of textiles. This indicates the social conditions that required many women to engage in textile production to contribute to household income. As historians, we can look at other kinds of printed books and archival records from the time to understand the relationship between commerce, gender, and visual culture in early modern Germany. Art like this only gains further meaning when it is situated in its social and institutional context.