Les Secondes Oeuvres, et Subtiles Inventions De Lingerie du Seigneur Federic de Vinciolo Venitien, page 37 (recto) 1603

This is page 37 from "Les Secondes Oeuvres," a book of lace-making patterns created in Venice by Federico de Vinciolo around 1590. These patterns are made up of dense grids of black and white squares, offering a codified system for creating complex and visually interesting lace designs. In the 16th century, Venice was a hub for textile production, particularly for luxury goods like lace. Vinciolo's book reflects the rising demand for these skills, catering to both professional lace makers and wealthy women who practiced needlework as a sign of refinement. Pattern books like this one played a crucial role in standardizing lace production, spreading new styles and techniques across Europe. The medium of the printed book allowed for distribution on a scale never seen before. As historians, we can look at account books, fashion plates, and surviving examples of lace to understand its significance in the Renaissance. The study of seemingly minor artworks like this can reveal important information about social status and taste. This allows us to see how skills and images circulated in early modern Europe.