Opera Nova Universali intitulata Corona di racammi, page 20 (verso) 1530

This is page 20 from "Opera Nova Universali intitulata Corona di racammi," created by Giovanni Andrea Vavassore around the mid-16th century. As a woodcut, it embodies the intricate patterns of lace-making, offering a glimpse into the domestic arts that shaped the lives of women in Renaissance Italy. The designs here aren't just decorative; they reflect a complex interplay of gender and class. Lace-making was a highly valued skill, often passed down through generations of women. It provided a means of both creative expression and economic survival, particularly for those excluded from other forms of labor. But its practice was also intensely policed by the patriarchal norms of the time. Vavassore’s pattern books democratized access to these designs, allowing for wider participation in the craft. As you look at the symmetrical patterns and delicate details, consider the countless hours of labor and love poured into each stitch. This was a world where women found agency and community.