Essempio di recammi, page 5 (recto) 1530

This is page 5 from "Essempio di recammi," a book of embroidery patterns created by Giovanni Antonio Tagliente in the early 16th century. Printed patterns like these allowed for the standardization and spread of embroidery, profoundly influencing fashion and domestic life. Embroidery was deeply intertwined with gender and class. It was primarily the domain of women, particularly in the upper classes, who used these skills to demonstrate their refinement and domestic virtue. These intricate patterns, while beautiful, also symbolized a woman's role in creating and maintaining the home, reinforcing societal expectations. Tagliente's book offered a glimpse into the daily lives and aspirations of women, revealing both the creative outlets available to them and the constraints placed upon them. Consider the labor and care each stitch would have required, and reflect on the complex ways in which women have historically expressed themselves through art and craft.