Trionfo Di Virtu. Libro Novo..., page 25 (recto) 1563

This is a page of needlework patterns, a woodcut made by Matteo Pagano in Venice in the 16th century. The diamond and cross motifs you see here are not merely decorative; they are potent symbols deeply rooted in the cultural memory of Europe. The cross, of course, is a universal symbol laden with religious significance, but its appearance here is more ancient, echoing pre-Christian symbols of cosmic order. Similarly, the diamond shape is reminiscent of ancient textile patterns. Consider how these patterns, seemingly simple, have been passed down through generations, adorning everything from humble domestic textiles to the robes of royalty. The act of creation, of stitching these symbols into cloth, is a ritualistic affirmation of cultural identity, a thread that connects us to the past. The diamond has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts. The persistence of these patterns speaks to a shared cultural inheritance, an ongoing dialogue between generations.