Manuscript album of designs for lace and embroidery 1591 - 1601

This album of designs for lace and embroidery was created by an anonymous artist. The designs in the book include both real and mythical animals, plants, and geometric shapes, and the grid suggests it was intended for counted-thread embroidery. Embroidery was one of the few creative outlets available to women in the early modern period. The designs in this book are interesting because they reflect the aesthetic interests of the time. We might consider the peacock as a symbol of wealth and status, or we could see the prevalence of geometric shapes as a reflection of the influence of classical art and architecture. Given that the designs include mythical animals, this album might be understood as an engagement with wider literary and artistic trends. Understanding the social context of this album requires us to delve into the history of gender roles and class structures. This kind of research involves looking at historical documents, such as letters, diaries, and household inventories. Ultimately, we can see the value of this object as a cultural record that speaks to the lives and experiences of women in the early modern period.