Corona delle Nobili et Virtuose Donne: Libro I-IV, page 20 (recto) 1601

This is page 20 from "Corona delle Nobili et Virtuose Donne," or "Crown of Noble and Virtuous Women," a book of lace patterns made by Cesare Vecellio in Venice. In 16th-century Venice, the production of luxury goods like lace was central to the city’s economy. Manuals such as this one helped to disseminate the latest styles and techniques, while simultaneously shaping the aesthetic expectations of its readers. Here, two distinct borders are presented, one above the other, each offering a unique approach to lace making. The title indicates that Vecellio aimed his designs at women, specifically those of the noble classes. We can see in this that the patterns themselves become a signifier of status and taste. As art historians, we might ask: How did institutions like the publishing industry shape the production and consumption of art? And what role did art play in reinforcing existing social hierarchies? By studying pattern books and other artifacts of material culture, we can gain valuable insights into the lives and values of people in the past.