Opera Nova Universali intitulata Corona di racammi, page 9 (recto) 1530

This is page 9 from *Opera Nova Universali intitulata Corona di racammi*, made by Giovanni Andrea Vavassore around the mid-16th century. It's a woodcut, a relatively inexpensive and easily produced medium, featuring patterns for embroidery. The bold lines and repeating motifs aren't accidental. Vavassore understood that his designs would be translated into thread, and so he created patterns that were both visually striking and relatively easy to stitch. Look closely, and you will see the intricate knotwork, floral elements and fantastical birds. The material qualities of the woodblock itself – its grain, its ability to hold fine lines – all contributed to the final appearance of the print. Think about the labor involved, both in the creation of the woodcut and in the embroidery that would follow. This was a system of production, one that brought art and craft into a close, symbiotic relationship, at a time when those categories were just beginning to diverge. By considering the material and processes involved, we can appreciate the full cultural significance of Vavassore's work.