Corona delle Nobili et Virtuose Donne: Libro I-IV, page 86 (recto) 1601

This is a page from Cesare Vecellio's "Corona delle Nobili et Virtuose Donne," a pattern book printed in Venice. It is made from ink on paper, using a relief printing process, likely woodcut or engraving. The material has a strong influence on the image: the texture of the paper and the crisp lines of the printmaking process give it a graphic quality. These patterns are directly related to the economic conditions of 16th-century Venice, a major center for textile production and trade. The designs provided inspiration for lacemakers and embroiderers. The process of lacemaking itself was highly skilled and labor-intensive, often undertaken by women in their homes. Vecellio’s book demonstrates how printed media could disseminate designs widely, impacting textile production and consumption. By understanding its historical context and the labor involved in producing both the book and the textiles it inspired, we can appreciate its cultural and economic significance. This challenges traditional distinctions between the fine arts, design, and craft.