La Pratique de l'Aiguille, page 16 (recto)

This intricate woodcut, "La Pratique de l'Aiguille, page 16 (recto)", comes from a pattern book published by Matthias Mignerak in 1605. Mignerak, a French designer, was renowned for his detailed and elegant designs for lace, embroidery, and other needlework, as evidenced by the numerous pages from this very publication held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. Such pattern books were essential tools for artisans and aristocratic women alike, providing templates for the fashionable textiles of the era. This particular page, like others from the series, showcases the delicate artistry required for such crafts, reflecting the sophisticated tastes of the early 17th century. Mignerak's work stands as a testament to the importance of decorative arts during this period, influencing countless pieces of domestic and ecclesiastical textiles.