Prima parte de' fiori, page 13 (recto) 1591

This page of designs was made by Giovanni Battista Ciotti, a 17th-century Italian, using woodcut on paper. Woodcut is a relief printing process where the image is carved into a block of wood, leaving the design to be printed raised. Here, Ciotti used this method to create a series of lace patterns. Look closely at the intricate network of lines and shapes. Woodcut requires a high degree of skill and precision to carve these fine details, showing great dexterity and control in the hand of the artist. These designs reflect the demand for lace during this period. They provided templates for lacemakers to follow, allowing for the relatively quick production of luxury textiles and items. The contrast between the black ink and the blank paper makes the patterns stand out, showing the important role of printmaking in disseminating designs and driving consumption in early modern Europe. Thinking about the materials, making, and historical context brings us to understand the full scope of meaning in artwork that transcends traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.