Lucidario di Recami, page 8 (verso) 1564

This is a page of “Lucidario di Recami,” by Iseppo Foresto, a book of embroidery patterns from 16th-century Venice, rendered in woodcut. Notice the vertical bands, each a miniature world of symbols. Here, floral motifs intertwine with mythical creatures: griffins and stylized birds. Griffins, ancient symbols of strength and guardianship, recur throughout art history. From the tapestries of Persia to the coats of arms of medieval Europe, they embody vigilance and power. Birds, conversely, often represent the soul, or the airy lightness of spiritual ascension. These symbols, deeply ingrained in our collective memory, transcend mere decoration. They speak to primal longings and fears, to the desire for protection and the yearning for transcendence. The artist subtly manipulates these archetypes, engaging our subconscious through familiar yet potent symbols. The birds remind us of how certain motifs evolve, adapting to new cultural landscapes while retaining echoes of their original significance.