La Vera Perfettione del Disegno di varie sorti di recami, page 38 (verso) 1567

This is a page from "La Vera Perfettione del Disegno di varie sorti di recami," or "The True Perfection of Design of Various Sorts of Embroidery," made by Giovanni Ostaus in Venice in the 16th century. It is an etching, a printmaking technique that uses acid to cut into a metal plate. This book of patterns was intended for use by embroiderers. In Venice at this time, the textile industry was booming and needlework was seen as a prestigious occupation. Books like these served as resources for professional artisans or wealthy women who practiced embroidery at home. Looking at this page, we can see the fine details of the interwoven knots, printed using sophisticated technology that speaks to the importance of the textile industry in Venice at this time. As historians, we can use sources such as guild records, trade statistics, and sumptuary laws to understand the role of printed design in the history of textile production. The meaning of this book lies in its social and institutional context.