Les Secondes Oeuvres, et Subtiles Inventions De Lingerie du Seigneur Federic de Vinciolo Venitien, page 21 (recto) 1603

This is page 21 from "Les Secondes Oeuvres," a needlework pattern book by Federico de Vinciolo, published in Venice in the late 16th century. These weren't artworks in themselves, but functional designs intended for replication in embroidery. Needlework, at the time, was deeply embedded in the social fabric of Venice. Sumptuary laws dictated who could wear what, and elaborate embroidery could signal wealth and status. Vinciolo's patterns, with their intricate geometric and floral motifs, catered to the tastes of a wealthy elite. But they also subtly challenged the established hierarchies. By making these patterns available in printed form, Vinciolo democratized access to high-end design, allowing a broader range of people to emulate the styles of the upper class. Understanding this print requires looking at Venice's economic structures, trade networks, and gender roles. We could study inventories and probate records to learn about the value and social significance of textiles in Venetian society. We can see it, then, as a small but significant act of cultural subversion.