Splendore delle virtuose giovani, page 5 (recto) 1564

Iseppo Foresto made this page in the 1500s, using woodcut on paper. Woodcut is a relief printing process. The artist carves away the areas that should not receive ink, leaving the design standing proud. In this case, Foresto cut away at the block to produce intricate repeating patterns. Look closely, and you'll see that the black lines are not solid but rather made up of tiny dots. These patterns showcase the artist's dexterity, but it also speaks to the repetitive labor involved in producing multiple prints. This book was created for lace makers. The design illustrates the essential role of craft in the 16th century, demonstrating the intertwining of art, utility, and female labor. The very material and process of its making underscores the importance of recognizing the value and skill inherent in craft traditions. It invites us to reconsider the traditional hierarchies that have separated ‘fine art’ from the applied arts.