Corona delle Nobili et Virtuose Donne: Libro I-IV, page 14 (recto) 1601

This is page 14 from Volume One of "Corona delle Nobili et Virtuose Donne," made by Cesare Vecellio. It is a set of woodcuts on paper. The patterns are structured into a grid of rectangles, each a miniature study in symmetry and repetition. Each rectangle is meticulously filled with a pattern comprised of interlocking geometric shapes and floral motifs. The high contrast between the black ink and the paper creates an almost dizzying visual effect. Vecellio presents us with more than mere decoration, it reflects a deep engagement with the structural principles underlying artistic creation. The patterns are not simply ornamental but exemplify a structured approach to design, highlighting the ways in which simple forms can be combined to produce complex, visually engaging patterns. It destabilizes our understanding of functionality by elevating it into the realm of art.