Gemma pretiosa della virtuose donne, page 20 (recto) 1625

This intricate engraving from Isabella Catanea Parasole's 1625 book *Gemma pretiosa della virtuose donne* depicts three elaborate needle lace patterns. The title page of this book, “Lavorò a punto reticella,” translates to “Work in Reticella Stitch,” and the book is dedicated to “virtuous women” and acts as a guide for them to create their own fine needlework. This page of the book features geometric patterns, with the intricate lace motifs often inspired by nature. The *punto reticella* stitch was a popular form of needle lace in the 17th century, and Parasole’s book is a significant resource for understanding the history of this technique.