Pretiosa Gemma delle virtuose donne, page 30 (recto) 1600

Isabella Catanea Parasole created this page from 'Pretiosa Gemma delle virtuose donne' sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries; it's an etching demonstrating 'reticella,' a form of lace making. During the Renaissance, women's identities were often intertwined with domestic skills such as needlework, which were seen as virtues. Parasole’s pattern book provided templates for women to create lace, a skill that could offer economic independence, as well as social capital. Each geometric pattern suggests a blend of artistic expression and practical skill, reflecting women’s engagement in both the domestic sphere and the broader economy. Through her work, Parasole challenged traditional gender roles, positioning women as creators and innovators. Consider how the act of creating lace could have served as a form of personal expression, or even resistance, within the confines of societal expectations. The detailed patterns invite us to reflect on the intersection of art, labor, and identity in the lives of women during the Renaissance.