Les Singuliers et Nouveaux Portraicts... page 35 (recto) 1588

This page, from Federico de Vinciolo's "Les Singuliers et Nouveaux Portraicts...", presents intricate lace patterns, meticulously etched onto a printing plate. These aren't just abstract designs; they're instructions for lacemakers. Lace, in the late 16th century, was a luxury product, made laboriously by hand. The patterns demonstrate *point coupé*, a cutwork technique where fabric is cut away, and the remaining structure is reinforced with needle lace. The designs, with their geometric precision, dictated the rhythm of the artisan's work, transforming simple thread into elaborate, high-value ornamentation. Vinciolo's book democratized access to these designs, previously held by an elite few, helping to expand the craft economy. What had been a closely guarded secret became a shared visual language, available for purchase. These seemingly delicate images, therefore, speak to the intersection of craft, commerce, and the changing social landscape of early modern Europe. Appreciating the artistry here means understanding the labor, skill, and economic forces woven into every loop and knot.