La Pratique de l'Aiguille, page 21 (recto) 1605

Matthias Mignerak created “La Pratique de l'Aiguille, page 21” as part of a series of needlework patterns. Needlework in the 16th and 17th centuries was more than a domestic craft; it was a significant marker of identity, especially for women. Skill in needlework indicated a woman’s refinement and suitability for marriage, reflecting her class and social standing. These patterns, while functional, also represent a form of cultural expression. The designs often incorporated symbols and motifs that spoke to contemporary values and beliefs. Through the act of stitching, women engaged with and contributed to the visual culture of their time, often using needlework to create personal or familial emblems. It served as a means of storytelling and preserving cultural memory, offering an intimate look into the lives and values of the women who practiced it. This artwork is a tangible piece of women's history. It reminds us of the ways in which women have historically navigated and negotiated their roles in society through creative expression.