Essempio di recammi, page 7 (verso) 1530

This is a page from "Essempio di recammi," a book of embroidery patterns created by Giovanni Antonio Tagliente in the 16th century. The patterns within are replete with geometric motifs, symbols that speak to our innermost selves. Consider the lozenge, or diamond, patterns here. These shapes, at once simple and striking, appear throughout history, adorning textiles, ceramics, and architectural facades from ancient civilizations to the present day. In many cultures, they represent fertility, the female form, and the generative power of nature. The cross is also visible here, representing a convergence of divine energies and earthly existence. Looking at these patterns, one can't help but think of mandalas or the geometric art of indigenous cultures. The recurrence of these symbols across time and space suggests a universal language, a collective unconscious expressing itself through form and pattern. What emotional or psychological resonance do these ancient patterns evoke in us today? They are more than just decoration; they are visual echoes of our shared human experience.