La Pratique de l'Aiguille, page 15 (recto)

This woodcut, "La Pratique de l'Aiguille, page 15 (recto)," by Matthias Mignerak, dates to 1605 and is part of a larger series of works with similar titles, all from the same year and medium, found in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. The title, which translates to "The Practice of the Needle," strongly suggests that this page, along with others in the series, was likely part of an instruction book or pattern guide for needlework. Woodcuts were a common and effective method for disseminating such practical information during this period, allowing for the reproduction of intricate designs that could then be followed by artisans and hobbyists. Mignerak's work here is not merely decorative; it serves a functional purpose, preserving and transmitting the craft techniques of early 17th-century France. While we don't have extensive biographical details for Mignerak, the sheer number of pages from this series in the Met's collection points to a significant output in this specialized field.