La Gloria et l'Honore di Ponti Tagliati, E Ponti in Aere 1556

In 1556, Matteo Pagano created this print, "La Gloria et l'Honore di Ponti Tagliati, E Ponti in Aere," showcasing his craftsmanship during the vibrant Italian Renaissance in Venice. Pagano worked in a time when Venice was a hub of commerce and culture, which created a thriving market for decorative prints. This print, like many others, served not just as art but as a component of cultural and social identity. The depiction of women engaged in delicate craftwork beneath an elaborate architectural framework speaks volumes. Do these women represent an idealized domesticity, or do they hint at the economic roles women held in Venetian society? Perhaps both. Through this artwork, we can consider how gender roles and identities were being negotiated and portrayed in the 16th century. In those years Venice was also a center for lace production, often made by women and families in their homes. This print invites us to reflect on the labor, skill, and artistry involved in lace making, and the individuals who poured their lives into it.