Trionfo Di Virtu. Libro Novo..., page 26 (recto) 1563

This is page 26 from "Trionfo Di Virtu. Libro Novo…," a book of lace patterns created by Matteo Pagano in Venice during the 16th century. During this time, Venice was a hub for artistic innovation and commerce, and pattern books like this were essential for the burgeoning textile industry. These books weren't just about aesthetics; they played a crucial role in shaping identity and class. Lace-making was a highly skilled craft, often practiced by women, and the ability to create and wear elaborate lace was a sign of status and refinement. Pagano’s designs offered women a means of self-expression, while simultaneously reinforcing the social hierarchies of the time. The geometric patterns seen here blend tradition with innovation. They speak to the convergence of art, labor, and gender in Renaissance society. Consider the quiet power of these designs, reflecting both personal creativity and broader cultural values.