Opera Nova Universali intitulata Corona di racammi, page 14 (verso) 1530

This is page 14 from ‘Opera Nova Universali intitulata Corona di racammi’, a book of embroidery patterns published in Venice by Giovanni Andrea Vavassore in the 16th century. During this time, pattern books played a crucial role in disseminating designs and techniques across Europe, particularly among women involved in textile production. Embroidery was not merely a decorative craft but an essential part of a woman's identity and skill set. It was a means of personal expression, social connection, and economic contribution within the domestic sphere. Vavassore’s designs, with their geometric and symmetrical motifs, reflect the era's aesthetic preferences and the mathematical principles underlying artistic creation. Consider how these patterns offered women agency in their creative endeavors. The act of stitching became an assertion of identity and a form of silent dialogue. While seemingly traditional, these books allowed women to engage with and subtly challenge the constraints of their societal roles, one stitch at a time.