Ornamento delle belle & virtuose donne, page 10 (recto) 1554

This is a page from Matteo Pagano's *Ornamento delle belle & virtuose donne,* a 1554 book of embroidery patterns. The page features an alphabet pattern, executed in a precise grid format, and a decorative border featuring fleur-de-lis motifs. Pagano was a prolific Italian artist and author who produced numerous pattern books for embroidery and needlepoint, which were popular with women of the time. This book is a great example of the artistic and practical use of patterns in the sixteenth century, and was likely intended for use by women of all social classes.