La Gloria et l'Honore di Ponti Tagliati, E Ponti in Aere, page 13 (recto) 1556

This is a page of lace patterns, made by Matteo Pagano in Venice in the 16th century, printed in ink on paper. These patterns showcase different designs for needle lace and cutwork, techniques that were highly prized during the Renaissance. The crisp lines of the print highlight the intricate, geometric designs, with their delicate leaves and spiraling vines. Consider the hands that would have been involved in its making, from the artist who designed the patterns and cut the woodblocks, to the printers who ran off the pages, and the lace makers who would have translated these designs into three-dimensional form. The grid structure emphasizes the labor involved in producing handmade lace, each stitch a testament to the skill and patience required. This was not "high art", but it was a key node in a network of makers, merchants, and consumers who valued fine craftsmanship. Pagano’s work reminds us of the beauty and ingenuity of the practical arts, and its significance in the wider history of creative expression.