Esemplario di lavori 1529

This woodcut image is from the early 16th century in Venice and was made by Nicolò Zoppino. It’s a page from his *Esemplario di lavori*, or pattern book, a guide for women learning needlework. The image offers us a glimpse into the social expectations of women in Renaissance Italy. The text, framed by classical motifs, promises to teach young, noble women the art of fine handiwork. These skills were highly valued and seen as a mark of virtue and refinement. The lower part shows women engaged in different forms of textile production, highlighting the importance of female labor in the domestic economy. These pattern books tell us about the circulation of knowledge and skills within a specific social class. Understanding the historical context of such images requires delving into archives, libraries, and museums. By doing so, we can start to appreciate the complex interplay between art, gender, and social status.