Trionfo Di Virtu. Libro Novo..., page 19 (verso) 1563

This is a page from “Trionfo Di Virtu. Libro Novo…”, a book of lace patterns, created by Matteo Pagano in Venice in the 16th century. The design is made using woodcut, a printmaking technique where the image is carved in relief on a block of wood. The material qualities of wood itself influence the print; the grain subtly appears in the lighter areas. Look closely, and you can see the marks left by the cutting tools, giving texture to the design. The patterns show an intricate interlaced design and geometric grid. This reflects the skilled handwork involved. Woodcut was ideal for mass production, and helped to circulate designs widely. Books like this democratized access to design, allowing lacemakers to copy patterns. But it also standardized production, enabling fine work to be replicated on a larger scale. The book speaks to a broader shift where hand skills were increasingly mediated by printed media. The book offered guidelines and standardization of patterns, contrasting the creativity and variations from the artisans. By understanding the processes involved, we gain insight into the social and cultural values embedded in this seemingly simple printed page.