Convivio delle Belle Donne, page 16 (recto) 1532

Nicolò Zoppino's woodcut from "Convivio delle Belle Donne" features an intricate knotwork design, a pattern steeped in history. The interlacing lines, devoid of beginning or end, echo ancient symbols of eternity and interconnectedness. Similar motifs appear across cultures, from Celtic stone carvings to Islamic geometric patterns. The Celts, for instance, used endless knots to represent the eternal soul and the cyclical nature of life. These symbols were thought to offer protection. In this context, the knots also represent beauty and harmony, reflecting the book's theme of celebrating women. Notice how Zoppino’s knots, while unique, tap into a deeper, shared visual language. The recurrence of these motifs suggests a collective memory, a subconscious recognition of primal patterns that resonate with our deepest selves. This reveals a non-linear journey of symbols, constantly reborn and reimagined.