Ornamento delle belle & virtuose donne, page 13 (verso) 1554

This 16th-century page, from a larger work by Matteo Pagano, is a beautiful example of Italian Renaissance printing. "Ornamento delle belle & virtuose donne" (1554) was a printed pattern book that contained instructions for needlework and lace making. These instructions were given in verse, and the page contains a poem that likely accompanied a specific pattern or design. The text, composed of intricate script and flourishes, is typical of the era and lends an air of elegance to the work. The page, part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, represents an important aspect of visual culture in the Renaissance, showcasing not only the decorative arts but also the literary and artistic traditions of the time.