Splendore delle virtuose giovani, page 2 (verso) 1564

Iseppo Foresto created this woodcut design in the 16th century as part of a pattern book, intended for the education of young women in Italy. The “Splendore delle virtuose giovani” or “Splendor of Virtuous Girls,” showcases a range of patterns, including floral motifs, geometric shapes, and even mythical figures, all set against a grid. The grid emphasizes the modular and repeatable nature of the designs, reflecting the practical function of the book. In Renaissance Italy, sumptuary laws regulated clothing and textiles according to social status, and pattern books like this one provided visual resources for creating acceptable displays of wealth and status. The book also reinforced prevailing social norms by suggesting that the virtue of young women would lead to splendor, and that this virtue could be expressed through careful aesthetic choices. To fully appreciate the social and cultural context of this print, one might consult historical documents such as fashion inventories, household accounts, and conduct manuals. Only then can we begin to understand the full meaning of the artwork.