Gemma pretiosa della virtuose donne, page 25 (recto) 1625

This is a page from "Gemma pretiosa della virtuose donne", or "Precious Gems of Virtuous Women", a book of lace patterns created by Isabella Catanea Parasole in the late 16th or early 17th century. During this time, women’s roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, with accomplishments in arts such as needlework highly valued. Parasole, however, was not only an artist but also a businesswoman. She ran a workshop with her husband, Geronimo Parasole, and dedicated this pattern book to noblewomen, marketing it as a means to create exquisite lace for personal adornment. Through this, Parasole challenged the traditional role of women. The title "Precious Gems of Virtuous Women" emphasizes the cultural perception of women as virtuous and skilled in domestic arts. However, the book allowed women to generate income through lacemaking, subtly shifting their role from domestic keepers to entrepreneurial individuals. Parasole's pattern book serves as a poignant example of how women negotiated their identities and roles in a patriarchal society. While seemingly conforming to traditional expectations, this work empowered women to express themselves.