La Vera Perfettione del Disegno di varie sorti di recami, page 27 (verso) 1567

This is a page from Giovanni Ostaus's "La Vera Perfettione del Disegno," dating back to the 16th century, offering designs for embroidery. Observe how the images are laden with symbols, mixing the sacred with the profane. Nymphs and mythological figures are interspersed with bats and snails. Consider, for instance, the central female figure with outstretched arms. Her pose and centrality remind us of the ancient icon of the "Potnia Theron," the mistress of animals, a symbol of nature's untamed forces. This gesture, reaching back to Minoan Crete, reappears through history, each time imbued with new cultural meaning. Note the bat, a creature of the night, often associated with darkness and the subconscious. Its presence here may evoke the darker aspects of the human psyche, fears, and hidden desires. These symbols, interwoven into decorative patterns, suggest a deeper interplay between the conscious and unconscious, inviting viewers to confront their innermost selves. The emotional power of these images lies in their ability to engage us on a subconscious level, stirring primal emotions that transcend time.