Gemma pretiosa della virtuose donne, page 7 (recto) 1625

This intricate woodcut, “Gemma pretiosa della virtuose donne, page 7 (recto),” is one of 13 designs featured in Isabella Catanea Parasole’s 1625 publication “Lavorio di Meza Mandolina.” The book is a collection of needlework patterns, and this page features a complex geometric pattern with repeating stars, circles and crosses. The artwork displays the skilled craftsmanship of both the artist and the needlework techniques of the time. The detailed pattern was meant to be used as a guide for creating decorative needlework.