Les Secondes Oeuvres, et Subtiles Inventions De Lingerie du Seigneur Federic de Vinciolo Venitien, page 12 (recto) 1603

Editor: This is page 12 from "Les Secondes Oeuvres," a book of lace-making patterns by Federico de Vinciolo, dating back to 1603. The design, rendered in ink, portrays the Crucifixion. I'm struck by how pixelated it looks—almost like early computer graphics. What draws your eye in this piece? Curator: You're right, it's quite striking! For me, it’s how this piece sits right on the cusp of high art and the utterly practical. Vinciolo wasn't just some artist holed up in an ivory tower, he was designing for daily life. It is also an artist's book. Look at the repetitive nature, the form reduced to these almost mathematical calculations. Doesn't it make you wonder about the countless hours spent meticulously translating religious iconography into a series of knots and stitches? Editor: Absolutely! It’s fascinating to think about the intersection of faith, art, and craft. How was something like this actually used back then? Curator: These pattern books were incredibly valuable. Aristocratic women used them to create elaborate lace for clothing, linens, and even religious vestments. Can you imagine the pride they took in crafting something both beautiful and devout? The act of creation itself becomes a form of prayer, almost meditative. This wasn't passive consumption of art; it was active participation in its creation! Editor: That makes it feel so much more alive. I always thought of lace as, well, just lace! Now, seeing this intricate engraving, I'm appreciating the intellectual and spiritual dimensions embedded within something seemingly so simple. Curator: Precisely! And remember that in that time, things moved at a different pace. It offered moments of contemplation and devotion. In a world of constant digital noise, there is still something about the simple power and message of this art object that makes me want to stop and marvel at the work it embodies.