La Vera Perfettione del Disegno di varie sorti di recami, page 40 (recto) 1567

This is page 40 from Giovanni Ostaus's "La Vera Perfettione del Disegno," a manual for embroidery patterns, printed sometime in the 16th or 17th century. Here, we see a repeating meander pattern that speaks volumes. This design, with its continuous, winding lines, is not merely decorative. The motif echoes the labyrinths of ancient Greece, spaces of mystery and initiation. It evokes Ariadne's thread, a guide through the subconscious. Consider how similar motifs appear in Roman mosaics, Celtic knotwork, and even the geometric patterns of Islamic art. The journey motif is universal, appearing and reappearing throughout history, and reminding us that humans, across all times, want guidance. The repetitive nature of the pattern induces a meditative state, mirroring the rhythmic, almost hypnotic process of embroidery itself. It acts as a potent symbol of the human quest for meaning. These symbols evolve, adapt, and resurface, revealing the cyclical nature of history.