Livre de Moresques, page 6 (verso) 1546

This is page 6 from Francesco di Pellegrino’s “Livre de Moresques,” a book of Moorish designs printed in the mid-16th century. It is made from ink on paper. Notice the geometric patterns, like intricate knots and stylized flowers, presented as models for artisans. The prints offered designs for textiles, embroidery, and even architectural details. In di Pellegrino’s time, there was a vogue for ornament broadly derived from Islamic sources. Printing allowed designs to circulate widely; artisans no longer had to travel to encounter new motifs. This speaks to early capitalism, when the division of labor between designers and makers was just emerging. The amount of work involved in the process reflects not only the artistry of the design, but the skilled labor required to reproduce it. By understanding the material and social context of this page, we can move beyond the traditional hierarchy separating fine art and craft, and appreciate the cultural and economic forces that shaped its creation.