Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce, page 4 (recto) 1591

This is a page from "Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce", made by Matteo Florimi around the turn of the 17th century. It presents a series of embroidery patterns, dominated by triangular forms filled with symbolic motifs. The triangle, a symbol of the Holy Trinity in Christian iconography, appears repeatedly. Within these triangles, we find crosses, circles, and geometric patterns. The cross, ubiquitous in Christian symbolism, represents sacrifice and redemption, but here, intertwined with floral designs, it suggests a fusion of the sacred and the natural world. Think of the ancient Greek key pattern—also known as a meander—that appears in architectural friezes or borders of vases, which symbolizes infinity or the eternal flow of things. Similarly, these geometric patterns, though simple, evoke a sense of continuity and connection. These symbols resurface across time, from ancient religious art to modern-day graphic design, each era imbuing them with new layers of meaning. The act of embroidery itself can be seen as a form of cultural memory, passed down through generations, each stitch a testament to continuity. The emotional power of these symbols lies in their ability to tap into our collective subconscious, engaging us on a deeply psychological level.