Opera Nova Universali intitulata Corona di racammi, page 26 (recto) 1530

This is page 26 from "Opera Nova Universali intitulata Corona di racammi," made by Giovanni Andrea Vavassore around 1530. It is a woodcut print design for needlework and embroidery. Observe how the design is structured into distinct horizontal bands, each presenting a unique pattern. Vavassore organizes tiny units, mostly squares and crosses, to build more complex geometric motifs. This modular approach suggests a systematic method of design. The black ink contrasts starkly against the off-white paper, emphasizing the precise lines and shapes of the patterns. The symmetry and repetition create a visual rhythm across the page, reflecting the ordered nature of early pattern books. These designs catered to the growing interest in decorative arts during the Renaissance, and exemplify the intersection of art and craft, where geometry and symmetry offer a structured approach to creativity. Ultimately, the ordered structure embodies both aesthetic and functional qualities.