Corona delle Nobili et Virtuose Donne: Libro I-IV, page 38 (recto) 1601

This is page 38 from "Corona delle Nobili et Virtuose Donne," a book of lace patterns created around 1591 by Cesare Vecellio. The piece presents a striking composition, using stark black ink against the white of the page to create a rhythmic and decorative design. The image is structured in horizontal bands, each filled with symbolic and stylized motifs. The upper register features floral and serpentine forms, while the lower band is populated with creatures like rabbits, birds and sirens. These forms are contained within a geometric grid, adding a layer of structure to the organic shapes. Vecellio’s work operates within a semiotic framework, where each element—the animals, the flowers, the geometric shapes—functions as a sign. The repetition and arrangement of these signs create a visual language. The overall structure reflects the cultural interest in symbolism during the late 16th century, where pattern books not only served practical functions but also engaged with deeper cultural meanings. The artwork is a fascinating example of how form and function intertwine, offering insights into the aesthetic and intellectual values of its time.