Corona delle Nobile et Virtuose Donne, Libro Terzo, page 15 (recto) 1620

Cesare Vecellio produced this page of ‘Corona delle Nobile et Virtuose Donne’ around the late 16th century, using the technique of woodcut. The result is graphic and precise, perfectly suited to rendering the complex patterns that adorn the page. These aren’t just abstract designs. They're templates for lace – functional objects made from linen or silk thread using tools like needles, bobbins, and frames. This kind of needlework was highly valued in Renaissance Europe, and pattern books like this one helped spread new designs, influencing fashion and interior decor. Notice that the patterns are arranged in horizontal bands, and the use of repetition, symmetry, and geometric forms that were popular at the time. The production of lace demanded patience, skill, and precision, qualities that were greatly esteemed. This book provided inspiration for the craftswomen of the era and highlights the intersection of craft and design in shaping cultural trends. Though seemingly simple, this woodcut shows the importance of craft as a vital part of Renaissance society, a role that often goes unacknowledged.