Splendore delle virtuose giovani, page 8 (verso) 1564

Iseppo Foresto created this woodcut, titled Splendore delle virtuose giovani, in the 16th century, a period when printed books became more accessible. This page is from a manual intended for young women, reflecting the era's emphasis on virtue and skill. The patterns, rendered in stark black and white, are organized in vertical bands set against a grid. These designs were not just decorative; they were practical tools. Manuals like this served an educational purpose, offering templates for women learning needlework and other domestic crafts. Notice how the imagery is a blend of nature and idealized form, characteristic of Renaissance aesthetics. But consider too, how this artwork, while appearing ornamental, also subtly reinforces societal expectations about women's roles and accomplishments. It captures a moment in history where art, education, and gender intersect.