Esemplario di Lauori..., page 2 (verso) 1532

This page from "Esemplario di Lauori..." was created by Giovanni Andrea Vavassore in the 16th century, using woodcut on paper. Rather than a conventional artwork, this is a pattern book, intended for use by embroiderers. Note how the artist uses the stark contrast of black ink on the white page to delineate the geometric forms. The composition, divided into horizontal bands, showcases a variety of intricate patterns. The texture is implied, suggesting the tactile quality of the embroidered textiles that would be produced using these designs. As a printed object, this page is a product of its time. It reflects the rise of a kind of proto-industrialization, in which designs could be disseminated widely, and adapted by craftspeople to their own purposes. The book is therefore not just a collection of patterns, but an early example of democratized design. We can appreciate the skill involved in both the original designs, and the labor that would have been involved in their execution with needle and thread. By considering this book as both design and instruction manual, we can better understand its cultural value.