Gemma pretiosa della virtuose donne, page 31 (recto) 1625

This is a page from 'Gemma pretiosa della virtuose donne' by Isabella Catanea Parasole. It presents a series of geometric patterns in stark black and white. These designs, meticulously arranged, create a rhythmic visual experience across the rectangular composition. Parasole’s work is fascinating from a structuralist perspective. The grid format acts as a foundational structure, within which each cell contains a unique pattern. These patterns are a semiotic system of signs, where abstract shapes function as a code for complex techniques of needlework. The repetition and variation within the grid suggest an underlying logic, much like a linguistic system with its own grammar and syntax. The function of these designs challenge established notions of art, as they collapse the boundaries between art and craft, design and utility. This interplay destabilizes traditional hierarchies, inviting us to reconsider the value we place on different forms of creative production. The patterns, while aesthetically pleasing, are also deeply functional, intended for practical application. They highlight the potential for art to exist simultaneously as a visual and functional language.