Studio delle virtuose Dame, page 6 (recto) 1597

This page from the book *Studio delle virtuose Dame* by Isabella Catanea Parasole, published in 1597, showcases a design for *punto in aria* embroidery. This intricate pattern, rendered in white on a black background, demonstrates the delicate and complex embroidery techniques popular in Renaissance Italy. The design features a symmetrical arrangement of stylized plants and flowers, with each element meticulously detailed. This book, intended for a female audience, offered a guide to creating elaborate needlework for clothing and household items. *Studio delle virtuose Dame* is a valuable historical document that illuminates the artistry and craftsmanship of needlework in 16th-century Italy.