Essempio di recammi, page 11 (verso) 1530

This is a page from "Esempio di Recammi," or "Examples of Embroidery," printed in Venice in the early 16th century by Giovanni Antonio Tagliente. It’s a woodcut pattern book intended as a guide for lacemakers and embroiderers, trades dominated by women in this period. The designs incorporate a range of animals both real and mythical, as well as vases. The grid-like structure allowed for easy reproduction, and was a popular choice for pattern books at the time. These books played a crucial role in disseminating artistic styles and techniques across Europe. Venice was a major center of production for luxury goods, and the designs reflect the city’s cosmopolitan character. The inclusion of pattern books in museum collections helps us to understand the social and economic life of the Renaissance, as well as the history of design and craft. Analyzing such material involves tracing the movement of images and ideas, and looking at the structures of the publishing industry.