Essempio di recammi, page 19 (verso) 1530

This is a page from ‘Essempio di recammi’, a book of embroidery patterns made around 1528 in Venice, by Giovanni Antonio Tagliente. The book is printed on paper, using woodcut blocks to transfer the designs. Look closely, and you can see a series of linear patterns, each intended to guide the hand in stitching elaborate borders. These patterns are not merely decorative; they are practical tools. They speak to the increasing commercialization of design in the 16th century. With the advent of print, patterns could be disseminated widely. The book acted as a vital link between designers and artisans, thus shaping and democratizing the visual landscape. The texture of the woodcut itself, with its characteristic grain and occasional imperfections, lends a unique character to the designs. The crisp lines and intricate details also celebrate the skill involved in both woodcutting and embroidery. ‘Essempio di recammi’ is not just a collection of patterns; it is a document of craft, commerce, and cultural exchange, showing how techniques, materials, and social context intertwine.