La Vera Perfettione del Disegno di varie sorti di recami, page 12 (verso) 1567

This engraving is plate 12 from Giovanni Ostaus's series on embroidery patterns, created in the 16th century. At first glance, the density of the composition is striking, comprising a field of interlocking geometric forms. Each square is bisected by a delicate lattice, creating a tessellated effect that could suggest an infinite expansion of pattern. The artist’s intricate and structured approach is particularly evident in the repetitive use of geometric shapes, where squares and crosses form the foundational elements. This creates a highly ordered and symmetrical visual language. The pattern could be understood through the lens of structuralism as a systematic arrangement of signs. The careful arrangement of positive and negative space plays with perception, inviting the viewer to decode the underlying principles governing its design. Ultimately, this embroidery design prompts a reconsideration of the relationship between form and function. The detailed and orderly structure challenges us to find a point of balance between aesthetic appreciation and practical application.