Le Pompe: Opera Nova, page 15 (verso) 1557

This page from *Le Pompe: Opera Nova* (1557) by Giovanni Battista and Marchio Sessa, is a fine example of a pattern book, a popular genre in the 16th century. These books offered artisans a wide variety of decorative designs that could be applied to various crafts, including embroidery, lace-making, and woodworking. The intricate black-and-white illustrations on this page showcase a variety of repeating patterns, including geometric motifs, floral elements, and interlaced designs, that would have been utilized by artists and craftspeople in the 16th century. The book's small size and portable format allowed for easy access to these patterns wherever the artist may be. *Le Pompe: Opera Nova* is now housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.