Essempio di recammi, page 3 (verso) 1530

This is page 3 from "Essempio di recammi," a woodcut book of embroidery patterns made by Giovanni Antonio Tagliente in Venice, Italy, in the early 16th century. In this era, pattern books like this one played a crucial role. They democratized access to design, allowing artisans and home embroiderers alike to create intricate works. The geometric patterns and interlaced designs reflect the period's fascination with classical forms, but here they are made accessible to a wider audience. Venice, as a major trading hub, was a melting pot of cultural influences, and you see echoes of Islamic and Byzantine motifs in these patterns. To understand this page fully, we can consult not just art historical texts, but also social histories of Venice, guild records, and even surviving examples of period embroidery. By combining these resources, we can better understand the important role this book played in shaping the visual culture of its time.