Esemplario di Lauori..., page 5 (recto) 1532

This is page five from Giovanni Andrea Vavassore's "Esemplario di Lauori...", made in Italy around 1530-1573. It is a woodcut, a relatively accessible medium in its day. The black ink sits proudly on the creamy paper, with the pattern rendered through a grid-like structure. Think of this as a very early form of pixelation, breaking down the image into countable units. This grid would have been invaluable for needleworkers, allowing them to accurately render the design in counted thread embroidery or lace. Notice the stylized animals and geometric motifs, elements often found in early textile patterns. Woodcut was an ideal medium for pattern books like this, as it allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction, making designs accessible to a wider audience of makers, beyond wealthy patrons who could commission original designs. These pattern books are a testament to the democratization of design, a shift towards broader participation in creative expression and craft.