Pretiosa Gemma delle virtuose donne, page 25 (recto) 1600

"Pretiosa Gemma delle virtuose donne" (Precious Gem of Virtuous Women) is a 1600 book of needlework patterns by Isabella Catanea Parasole, a prominent Italian needlework designer. This page from the book, featuring intricate geometric patterns, showcases Parasole's expertise in reticella lace, a delicate needle lace technique popular in 17th century Italy. The intricate design, printed in black and white, is presented as a visual guide for needleworkers, offering a glimpse into the fashionable world of needlework of the period. This page from the book, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a window into the artistic and technical sophistication of needlework practices of the era.