Modelbuch aller Art Nehens vn Stickens (Page 2v) 1535

This is page 2v from Modelbuch aller Art Nehens vn Stickens, a book of model patterns for sewing and embroidery, printed in Germany around 1532 by Christian Egenolff. These books were pattern templates, and they also reveal a huge amount about the culture of the time. As we can see here, the patterns are printed with a woodblock, making them easily reproducible. This speaks to the rise of the merchant class and the wider availability of luxury goods during the early Renaissance. These designs draw on cultural references from the classical world to the near east and were a popular way of displaying one's wealth and taste. It's fascinating to consider the role of books like this in shaping the visual landscape of the 16th century. Surviving examples of embroidery and needlework, along with inventories, literature, and other sources, help us to understand the circulation of patterns and the aspirations of those who used them. They give us insights into the social and economic context in which these objects were created.