Trionfo Di Virtu. Libro Novo..., page 5 (recto) 1563

This is a page from "Trionfo Di Virtu. Libro Novo...", made in Venice by Matteo Pagano around the mid-16th century using woodcut and letterpress. During this era, Venice stood as a pivotal center of trade and cultural exchange, where artists and artisans absorbed a variety of influences. Pagano’s pattern book catered to artisans, showcasing designs for embroidery, lace, and other decorative arts. These designs were not merely aesthetic; they were deeply entrenched in the social fabric of the time. The rigid symmetry and geometric precision evident in this pattern reflect the Renaissance ideals of order and harmony. Yet, within the constraints of these structured designs, we can find subtle variations that allowed artisans to express their individuality. In a society that was highly stratified, such pattern books played a crucial role in disseminating artistic ideas across different social strata. They enabled a broader audience to participate in the creation of beautiful objects, democratizing access to artistic expression.