La Gloria et l'Honore di Ponti Tagliati, E Ponti in Aere, page 14 (verso) 1556

Matteo Pagano created this page of lace patterns in Venice during the 16th century. Printed pattern books like this one were a vital part of the city's vast textile industry. Venice’s economic prosperity depended on its artisans, whose skills were carefully guarded by powerful guilds. Books like this one helped to disseminate new ideas, but also to regulate production. Look closely, and you’ll notice the grid that underlies each design. This suggests the importance of accurate measurement and mathematical precision. The very act of publishing designs helped to standardize production. The patterns themselves are striking in their combination of geometric precision and naturalistic ornament. This blend reflects the values of a culture that prized both technological innovation and aesthetic beauty. To understand the significance of such images, we need to look at a wide range of historical sources: guild records, trade statistics, and of course, the textiles themselves. Art’s meaning lies in its social and institutional context.