La Vera Perfettione del Disegno di varie sorti di recami, page 22 (verso) 1567

This is a page from "La Vera Perfettione del Disegno," created by Giovanni Ostaus around the 16th century using woodcut. The composition is structured as a series of horizontal bands, each presenting different patterns intended for embroidery. The patterns are composed of intertwining lines, creating both geometric and organic shapes. Ostaus’s use of line is particularly striking; it defines the forms and creates a sense of movement and rhythm across the surface. The interplay between positive and negative space is carefully balanced, emphasizing the decorative quality of the designs. Each band features variations of floral motifs, interwoven knots, and stylized figures such as birds. The repetition and variation within these patterns suggest an engagement with both traditional ornamental forms and a developing sense of design innovation. These patterns do not merely serve a decorative function, but also reflect broader cultural values and aesthetic principles of the time, where craftsmanship and ornamental elaboration were highly valued. The formal qualities, such as line and repetition, engage with the semiotic system of the era, where such patterns could signify status, taste, and cultural sophistication.