Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce, page 12 (recto) 1591

This is a page from “Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce,” or “Embroidery Flower Designs Newly Brought to Light,” made by Matteo Florimi around the turn of the 17th century. It’s an etching, an image incised into a metal plate, inked, and then printed onto paper. As the title suggests, the print documents and disseminates patterns for elaborate needlework. Notice the carefully rendered symmetry and the variety of motifs, from geometric to floral. This wasn’t just art for art’s sake; it was a direct contribution to the fashion and domestic life of the period. The very existence of this print points to a burgeoning market for design ideas, and a growing class of consumers eager to adorn their lives with fashionable goods. Consider the labor involved, both in creating the original embroideries and in producing the prints that circulated these designs. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of craft, commerce, and the visual culture of the Renaissance. Ultimately, this print shows us how art could be both beautiful and deeply embedded in the everyday realities of its time.