Studio delle virtuose Dame, page 18 (recto) 1597

This is page 18 from “Studio delle virtuose Dame,” a book of lace patterns made by Isabella Catanea Parasole in the late 16th or early 17th century. As a woman artist and printmaker in a patriarchal society, Parasole occupied a unique position, carving out a space for herself in the arts and sciences. During this time, women's creativity was often confined to the domestic sphere, celebrated for their needlework. Parasole elevated this craft, transforming functional designs into intricate works of art. The book was meant to display the virtuosity of women, highlighting their skill, intellect, and creative potential. These geometric patterns, rendered in stark black and white, reflect both the mathematical precision and the artistic flair inherent in lace making. We see a blend of tradition and innovation, maintaining the practical elements of lace making but developing complex designs. Lace was more than just decoration, but an expression of identity and status. Parasole provides a glimpse into the lives and creative contributions of women during the Renaissance.