Schön newes Modelbuch (Page 69r) 1608

This is page 69r from *Schön newes Modelbuch*, or ‘Beautiful New Pattern Book’ made by Sigismundus Latomus around the early 17th century. It's a woodcut printed on paper. These aren't traditional "art" materials, of course; they're the stuff of mass production. Look closely, and you can see that the design is made up of tiny squares. The pattern is carefully constructed for needlework or lacemaking. The texture of the paper and the black ink create a striking contrast, emphasizing the intricate details of the design. Woodcut printing was a labor-intensive process, requiring skilled artisans to carve the image into woodblocks. This craft was tied to the rise of print culture and the increasing availability of books, which democratized access to patterns and designs. This book was not meant to be displayed on a wall but to be used. By focusing on the materials, making, and social context, we can see how this object blurs the lines between fine art, craft, and everyday life.