Livre de Moresques, page 5 (recto) 1546

This page, from a book by Francesco di Pellegrino, presents a design for “Moresque” ornament, made with pen and ink on paper in the mid-16th century. Consider the way that the black ink defines the form. Lines, precisely drawn, create an intricate interlaced pattern. Note the contrast between the solid black shapes and the white paper—a relationship fundamental to drawing and printmaking. This pattern isn't just decorative; it's a template. The inscription below the image suggests it was intended as a design for tapestry, a double floral pattern and broken basins with a border. The very act of drawing—of meticulously rendering this complex design—speaks to the intense labor involved in both the creation of the design itself and the textile that it anticipates. The "Moresque" style itself is deeply connected to cross-cultural exchange. These designs, inspired by Islamic patterns, were highly sought after in Renaissance Europe. By understanding the labor and cultural exchange embedded in this seemingly simple drawing, we gain a richer appreciation of its historical significance.