Splendore delle virtuose giovani, page 3 (recto) 1564

This page, Splendore delle virtuose giovani, was created by Iseppo Foresto in the 16th century, using woodcut on paper. Woodcut is a relief printing process - the artist carves away the negative space, leaving the design to be inked and printed. Here, Foresto has employed this technique to create a repeating pattern, likely for use in textiles or embroidery. You can see the texture of the paper itself, and the slightly rough quality of the printed lines. The process of carving and printing by hand inevitably results in slight variations, lending each impression a unique character. Consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed design, the skill required to carve the woodblock, and the many prints that would have been produced from it. This was not just art, but a means of disseminating design ideas, influencing the aesthetics of clothing and domestic objects. Thinking about the materials, making, and context allows us to appreciate the artistry and the cultural significance embedded in this printed page, challenging any strict division between fine art and craft.