Page from Ein new kunstlich Modelbuch...(Page 14r) 1544

This is page 14r from "Ein new kunstlich Modelbuch," a woodcut by Peter Quentel, likely made in Cologne in the 1520s or 30s. The designs, featuring stylized foliage, were made for artisans, patternmakers, and embroiderers to copy or adapt. Printed pattern books like this one played a crucial role in the circulation of artistic ideas. They were a relatively cheap and efficient way to share designs across geographical and social boundaries at a time when access to art and artists was limited. The book is small enough to be portable and is printed in black and white, ready to be adapted into any color scheme. These books demonstrate how the means of artistic production and dissemination were changing in the early 16th century. To understand the historical impact of such images, scholars consult a range of period sources. We must look into the socio-economic conditions of Northern Europe at this time to further understand the significance of such images.