La Pratique de l'Aiguille, page 6 (recto) 1605

Editor: Here we have Matthias Mignerak’s "La Pratique de l'Aiguille, page 6 (recto)" from 1605, a print now held at The Met. The texture reminds me a little of woven fabric, or maybe even a digital screen! What catches your eye about this piece? Curator: You know, it does have a strangely contemporary feel despite its age, doesn't it? For me, it's the layering of patterns - the gridded background overlaid with that bold "M", wreathed in laurel and topped with a crown! I'm intrigued by how Mignerak uses stark black and white to create such a complex and decorative design. Doesn't it make you think about status? About royal power communicated through design? Editor: Definitely! It feels so intentional, like every line and shape has a purpose. The way the "M" is framed… what do you think it meant at the time? Curator: Well, given the title refers to needlework, and we see the word “Royne”, it was probably meant to be used as a template for embroidery, perhaps for a noblewoman's monogram? Imagine someone painstakingly recreating this in stitches! The grid probably served to allow people to copy and resize this elaborate royal design accurately. Does knowing this add to how you feel about the piece? Editor: It does! The skill involved in making something so intricate by hand, gives me a whole new respect for craft traditions, especially for women's artistic expression during this period. Curator: Exactly! This one page gives me insight into their craft and their aesthetic! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I never looked at it quite like that before!