Trionfo Di Virtu. Libro Novo..., page 11 (recto) 1563

This is a page from "Trionfo Di Virtu. Libro Novo...", made around the 16th century by Matteo Pagano, a Venetian printmaker. The book contains a series of intricate patterns designed for various forms of needlework, demonstrating the convergence of art, craft, and domestic life during the Renaissance. These weren't just abstract designs; they were scripts for women's labor. In a time when women's roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, needlework was both a creative outlet and a marker of status. The ability to execute these complex patterns signified a woman’s refinement and her family's wealth. The geometric patterns suggest an order, but maybe also a constraint. The emotional weight of these designs lies in their connection to women’s lives – their daily routines, their social identities, and their creative expression within a patriarchal society. These patterns offer a glimpse into the intersection of gender, class, and artistry in the Renaissance.