Les Singuliers et Nouveaux Portraicts... page 55 (recto) 1588

"Les Singuliers et Nouveaux Portraicts...", page 55 (recto), is a print made by Federico de Vinciolo in the late 16th century. This book of lace patterns offers us a glimpse into the world of Renaissance fashion, where intricate needlework signified wealth and status. But there’s more to it than just pretty patterns. Lace making was primarily women's work. It was a source of income and, potentially, independence, in a society that limited women’s options. These designs allowed women to participate in global trade, as their handiwork adorned garments worn across Europe. Consider the act of creation – the painstaking hours spent with a needle and thread. Each stitch embodies not only skill but also the lives and stories of the women who brought these patterns to life. Lace making becomes a form of quiet resistance, a way to make their mark in a world that often overlooked their contributions. This image serves as a subtle reminder of the intricate ways women shaped history, one delicate stitch at a time.