Essempio di recammi, page 27 (recto) 1530

This is page 27 from "Essempio di recammi," a book of embroidery patterns by Giovanni Antonio Tagliente, printed in Venice around 1527. The visual field is dominated by columns of precisely arranged text, structured to guide the reader through the intricacies of embroidery design. The layout, a grid of tightly packed letters, creates a dense, almost textural impression. Notice how the structured arrangement and uniform typeface lend a sense of order and clarity. Tagliente’s book reflects a broader cultural interest in systematizing knowledge. His use of repetitive textual units mirrors the repetitive actions inherent in embroidery. By organizing instructions into a clear, accessible format, Tagliente sought to democratize knowledge. Consider how the structure and clarity invite us into the world of Renaissance craftsmanship. The emphasis on order and method speaks to the period’s evolving relationship with art, and its role within society.