Convivio delle Belle Donne, page 4 (verso) 1532

This page from ‘Convivio delle Belle Donne’ was created by Nicolò Zoppino in the early 16th century, using woodcut on paper. The process involves carving a design into a block of wood, inking the surface, and pressing it onto paper to transfer the image. The material itself, paper, was becoming more widely available at the time, enabling the broader distribution of images and texts. The texture of the wood grain may even be visible in the print, reminding us of the hand-worked process behind its creation. Each impression would have been made with care and precision. The lines that define the patterns and shapes convey the skill of the artist. The floral motifs and geometric patterns could have served as models for artisans working in other media, such as textiles or metalwork. By understanding the materials and making processes of this page, we can understand its wider cultural significance, bridging the gap between fine art, design, and craft.