Gemma pretiosa della virtuose donne, page 10 (recto) 1625

"Gemma pretiosa della virtuose donne" (Precious Gem of Virtuous Women), a 1625 book by Isabella Catanea Parasole, contains intricate needlework designs. This page displays a pattern of interlocking triangles and stars in a grid, showcasing the delicate and precise nature of Reticella lace. The title "Lavoro a Punto Reticella" (Reticella Stitch Work) indicates the specific technique, while the book's overall theme emphasizes the value of women's domestic skills. The Metropolitan Museum of Art's copy of this historical work demonstrates the cultural significance of lacemaking in 17th-century Italy.