Les Secondes Oeuvres, et Subtiles Inventions De Lingerie du Seigneur Federic de Vinciolo Venitien, page 4 (recto) 1603

This is a page from Federico de Vinciolo's "Les Secondes Oeuvres," a book of lace patterns published in the late 16th century. Above the text we can see winged figures reminiscent of classical putti framing a heraldic shield. These motifs, symbols of love and nobility, are not merely decorative; they evoke a sense of refinement and virtue that Vinciolo associates with the art of lacemaking. Looking at the illuminated initial letter, intertwined leaves and flowers suggest the natural world, bringing to mind similar motifs found in Renaissance tapestries. These patterns and symbols are ancient. The floral motifs can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman art, where they symbolized fertility and abundance. Over time, they have resurfaced, evolving, and taking on new meanings. Consider how the rose, once a symbol of Aphrodite, later became associated with the Virgin Mary, embodying divine love and purity. These symbols, passed down through history, engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level.