Les Secondes Oeuvres, et Subtiles Inventions De Lingerie du Seigneur Federic de Vinciolo Venitien, page 4 (verso) 1603

This is page four (verso) of "Les Secondes Oeuvres, et Subtiles Inventions De Lingerie du Seigneur Federic de Vinciolo Venitien." Published in 1603, it's an example of early modern European pattern books, printed using letterpress. Printed matter was often subject to royal oversight. This page reproduces the “privilege” granted to Jean le Clerc, the printer, to produce this book. It protects his right to be the sole publisher of Federico de Vinciolo’s designs for six years. Note how “Madame” is given title. This points to how the book’s creation was influenced by the patronage system and dedicated to a noble woman. Privileges and dedications in books from this time provide a glimpse into the economic and social structures that influenced the creation and dissemination of visual culture. The emotional dimension of the piece is tied to the labor and economic investment it represents. It also underlines the intricate web of power relations between artists, printers, patrons, and the monarchy.