Corona delle Nobili et Virtuose Donne: Libro I-IV, page 12 (recto) 1601

This page from "Corona delle Nobili et Virtuose Donne," or "Crown of Noble and Virtuous Women" was made in Venice in the late 16th century by Cesare Vecellio. As the title suggests, this pattern book was designed for women, illustrating the latest trends in lace-making and embroidery. But consider the paradox: while Vecellio aimed to empower women through needlework, he also reinforced the era’s gendered expectations. Look at the heraldic imagery, the animals are symbols of status and lineage, reflecting the aristocratic circles for whom these patterns were intended. Lace-making was both a creative outlet and a marker of social standing. Vecellio’s patterns gave women an opportunity to engage with artistry and elevate their status, within the confines of their prescribed roles.