Il Monte. Opera Nova di Recami, page 10 (verso) 1557 - 1570

This is page 10 from "Il Monte. Opera Nova di Recami," an engraving by Giovanni Antonio Bindoni, made sometime between 1500 and 1650. The composition is dominated by a series of vertical bands, each presenting a different pattern. On the left, stylized leaves create a rhythmic, almost pulsating border. Next, a twisted rope design adds a sense of depth. Then, a meandering vine, dotted with leaves and berries, offers a more organic contrast. Finally, the pattern on the right is more geometric, constructed of stylized flowers and diamonds. The graphic quality of the black lines against the off-white paper gives the page a stark, crisp feel. It evokes the period's interest in systematizing forms and patterns. This page, like others in the book, serves as a template for embroidery, challenging the traditional hierarchy between 'high' art and craft. By combining formal elements with functional design, Bindoni invites us to reconsider the boundaries of art itself. Note how the linear precision transforms organic forms into design elements, reflecting a cultural desire to impose order on the natural world.