Le Pompe: Opera Nova, page 5 (verso) 1557

This page from "Le Pompe: Opera Nova" (1557) by Giovanni Battista & Marchio Sessa displays four intricate lace patterns. The print, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the art of bobbin lace design during the Renaissance. The symmetrical and intricate designs, including star-shaped and geometric motifs, were likely intended for needlework or decorative purposes. The book's title, which translates to "The Pumps: New Work," suggests its purpose as a guide for contemporary textile crafts. The fine detail and delicate lines of the patterns exemplify the artistic standards of the time.