Les Secondes Oeuvres, et Subtiles Inventions De Lingerie du Seigneur Federic de Vinciolo Venitien, page 52 (recto) 1603

This page, number 52 from Federico de Vinciolo’s "Les Secondes Oeuvres," is a printed design for linen embroidery, made in Venice in the late 16th century. It's a practical object, made from paper and ink, intended to guide the hands of embroiderers in creating elaborate needlework. The design's aesthetic lies in its geometric precision and repetitive patterns, achieved through the grid-like structure inherent to counted thread embroidery. The process involves meticulously counting threads in the fabric to create symmetrical designs, which require a keen eye and skilled hand. Vinciolo’s printed patterns democratized these skills. The book reflects the rising demand for fashionable textiles and the growth of a consumer culture. It speaks to the labor of countless artisans who transformed these designs into material reality, contributing to the economy of luxury and the circulation of aesthetic ideas. Ultimately, this page invites us to consider the intricate relationship between design, labor, and consumption, blurring the boundaries between art, craft, and commerce.