Studio delle virtuose Dame, page 27 (recto) 1597

This is page 27 from "Studio delle virtuose Dame," a book of needlework patterns created by Isabella Catanea Parasole around the turn of the 17th century. As a female artist and entrepreneur in Renaissance Italy, Parasole navigated a complex world of gendered expectations. In a patriarchal society where women’s roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, Parasole distinguished herself by running her own business and publishing several books of designs. The "Studio delle virtuose Dame," or "Studio for Virtuous Women," speaks to the lives of the women who practiced needlework not only as a pastime, but as a significant part of their identity and social role. These intricate patterns were more than mere decoration, they were a form of expression, a means of participating in the cultural and economic life of their communities. Consider the emotional weight embedded in these designs—the hours of labor, the quiet conversations shared over needle and thread, and the passing down of skills from one generation to the next. Parasole’s work offers us a glimpse into the lives of these women, and challenges us to consider the value and significance of their contributions.