Neu künstlich Modelbuch (page 18r) 1598

Editor: Here we have a page from Bernhard Jobin's "Neu künstlich Modelbuch" from 1598, a book of patterns. It seems to be some kind of drawing, or a print, showcasing ornate, almost pixelated designs. What’s striking is how intricate and geometric the patterns are. How do you interpret this work in the context of its time? Curator: These model books served a crucial function in the late 16th century. They weren't just decorative; they were instruments of female empowerment, providing patterns for embroidery and lacework, skills that offered women economic independence and creative expression. Think about the painstaking labor involved. Each tiny square on that grid represents hours of meticulous work, often done by women in the domestic sphere. What do you think that labor means when we see this today? Editor: That’s really fascinating. So these weren't just pretty pictures; they were tools for women to participate in the economy? Did the patterns themselves carry any particular meaning? Curator: Absolutely. The motifs themselves often reflected broader social currents – the rising merchant class, religious beliefs, and even challenges to the status quo through subtle visual cues. But, the crucial point is to see how the distribution and use of pattern books played a critical role in expanding opportunities for women. Do you find any connection between these older forms of craft with textile works of contemporary women artists? Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way. That shifts my understanding completely. It becomes less about decoration and more about the socio-economic realities of women in that era. Thank you, that was really insightful. Curator: Exactly! These intricate patterns speak volumes about gender, labor, and agency. Hopefully we will continue this important conversation.