Schon newes Modelbuch...Page 10(r) 1617

Sigismundus Latomus produced this book of model patterns in Germany sometime between 1599 and 1632 using woodcut printmaking. The designs showcase a range of geometric and floral motifs arranged in square panels. Pattern books like these were part of a broader cultural and economic shift during the late Renaissance. With the rise of a merchant class and increased trade, fashionable goods became more accessible. Artisans and craftspeople relied on these books to produce intricate textiles for garments and home decor. The printing press played a crucial role in disseminating these patterns, essentially democratizing design and fostering a visual culture that was both innovative and widely shared. As art historians, we can consult archives, trade records, and social histories to better understand the impact of pattern books on the fashion and material culture of the time. These resources reveal how art and design were deeply embedded in the social and economic transformations of early modern Europe.