Les Singuliers et Nouveaux Portraicts... page 62 (recto) 1588

This is page 62 from Les Singuliers et Nouveaux Portraicts, a pattern book printed sometime around 1600, by the Venetian artist, Federico de Vinciolo. This image offers insight into the social and cultural life of early modern Europe. Pattern books like this one played a crucial role in the dissemination of design ideas, particularly for textiles and embroidery. The grid-like structure reflects the constraints of counted-thread techniques, while the motifs speak to the period's interest in ornamentation and display. Made in Venice, a thriving center of trade and culture, the book catered to the growing demand for luxury goods and fashionable attire. Examining inventories, fashion plates, and household accounts from the time helps us to understand the function of such pattern books. These resources highlight their role in shaping visual tastes and fueling the era's booming textile industry. Ultimately, understanding this seemingly simple page requires us to consider the broader social and economic forces that shaped its creation and use.