La Vera Perfettione del Disegno di varie sorti di recami, page 39 (verso) 1567

This is a page from ‘La Vera Perfettione del Disegno di varie sorti di recami’, created by Giovanni Ostaus around the late 16th or early 17th century. The delicate engraving showcases a pattern intended for embroidery, reflecting the cultural emphasis on domestic skills during the Renaissance. Embroidery was more than just a pastime; it was a significant aspect of a woman’s identity, indicative of her social standing and education. These pattern books allowed for the standardization of embroidery, which reinforced class distinctions and gender roles. The patterns themselves often borrowed from wider artistic and cultural motifs, blending influences from classical art and the natural world. While seemingly decorative, this page offers a glimpse into the complex interplay of art, gender, and social status in the early modern period. It invites us to reflect on the labor, creativity, and cultural values embedded in these intricate designs, and to consider how they shaped the lives and identities of the women who brought them to life.