Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce, page 17 (recto) 1591

This is page 17 from "Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce," or “Embroidery Designs Brought to Light Again,” made by Matteo Florimi in Italy sometime around 1600, using the technique of woodcut. The repeating, symmetrical patterns would have been carved into a block of wood, inked, and then printed onto paper. Notice how the stark contrast between black and white creates a bold visual impact, perfectly suited for conveying intricate embroidery designs. The texture of the paper itself adds another layer of interest; you can almost feel the fibers. The image gives us a glimpse into the world of 17th-century needlework. These designs were meant to be translated into fabric, thread by painstaking thread. Woodcut prints like this one played a crucial role in disseminating patterns and techniques, connecting makers across regions and social classes. By focusing on the material reality of this print – the wood, the ink, the paper, we begin to understand how it functioned as a tool, a guide, and a source of inspiration in a vibrant world of skilled labor.