Opera Nova Universali intitulata Corona di racammi, page 10 (recto) 1530

This is a page from 'Opera Nova Universali intitulata Corona di racammi,' created in Italy in the 16th century by Giovanni Andrea Vavassore. This book of embroidery patterns offers a glimpse into the daily lives and artistic expressions of women in Renaissance society. Embroidery, often seen as a domestic craft, provided women with a means of creative expression and economic contribution within the confines of their social roles. The patterns reflect the cultural values and aesthetic preferences of the time, with motifs ranging from geometric designs to depictions of mythological figures. 'Corona di racammi' offered women access to a broader world of artistic and cultural ideas. The act of recreating these designs allowed women to participate in a larger artistic conversation, asserting their identities and experiences through the needle and thread. The 'Opera Nova Universali intitulata Corona di racammi' is a window into the intersection of art, gender, and society during the Renaissance period. It highlights the artistry and agency of women in a world that often sought to confine them.