Exploring New International Modelbooks

[tungufoss]

I'm currently exploring some exciting additions to our repository of modelbooks, and I wanted to open up a discussion about including some early German and Swiss modelbooks that could be of significant interest. Below are several modelbooks I’ve found, all available in the public domain through the Metropolitan Museum of Art with high-quality scans:

1. Eyn new kunstlichboich (1529)

   • Publisher: Peter Quentel (German, active Cologne, 1518–46)
   • Features: Italian translation of title page, portrait of Charles V, 46 pages of designs including pages of the alphabet.
   • Medium: Woodcut
   • Dimensions: 7 7/8 x 5 1/2 in. (20 x 14 cm)

2. Manuscript album of designs for lace and embroidery (ca. 1596)

   • Artist: Anonymous, German, 16th century
   • Features: Manuscript book with 69 pages of various hand-drawn ink designs against a printed grid, including some designs in color.
   • Medium: Woodcut, manuscript
   • Dimensions: 7 7/8 x 5 1/2 in. (20 x 14 cm)

3. Neu künstlich Modelbuch (1598)

   • Publisher: Bernhard Jobin (Swiss, Porrentruy before 1545–1593/1597 Strasbourg)
   • Features: Facsimile illustrated title page, poem, and 44 pages of designs. The edition shows variations in conditions and arrangements from its 1600 counterpart.
   • Medium: Woodcut
   • Dimensions: 6 1/8 x 7 7/8 in. (15.5 x 20 cm)

4. New Künstlichs Modelbuch (1600)

   • Publisher: Bernhard Jobin (Swiss, Porrentruy before 1545–1593/1597 Strasbourg)
   • Features: This modelbook contains an illustrated title page, a poem, and 45 pages of designs, highlighting the detailed woodcut techniques of the time.
   • Medium: Woodcut
   • Dimensions: 6 5/16 x 8 1/4 in. (16 x 21 cm)

5. Newes Modelbuch in Kupffer (1604)

   • Artist: Johann Sibmacher (German, active 1590–1611)
   • Features: This modelbook includes 2 illustrated title pages, 12 pages of text with decorative borders, and 56 pages of designs. It is not currently on view.
   • Medium: Etching
   • Dimensions: 5 11/16 x 7 1/16 x 3/4 in. (14.5 x 18 x 1.9 cm)

6. Schön newes Modelbuch (1608)

   • Publisher: Sigismundus Latomus (German, active 1599–ca. 1627), Frankfurt am Main
   • Features: This modelbook includes a hand-colored title page and 94 pages of lace and embroidery designs. It provides a detailed look into early 17th-century design aesthetics.
   • Medium: Woodcut
   • Dimensions: 4 1/2 x 6 11/16 in. (11.5 x 17 cm)

These early modelbooks could provide valuable insights into the historical influences on the Icelandic patterns we have already digitized. By examining these works, we can trace potential connections between early European design traditions and the motifs found in Icelandic Sjónabók. Including these modelbooks in our collection could help illustrate the evolution of embroidery patterns, highlighting how Icelandic designs may have been shaped by broader European influences. I would appreciate your input on the idea of integrating these works into our repository to enhance our understanding of these cross-cultural design links.

Questions for Discussion:

• Are there any other early modelbooks (that are in the public domain) that you would recommend for inclusion?
• How do you think we can best present these books within our existing framework to highlight their historical and artistic value?

Looking forward to your input and suggestions!

Best regards,