Les Singuliers et Nouveaux Portraicts... page 47 (verso) 1588

This page, by Federico de Vinciolo, comes from a lace pattern book, printed in France in the late 16th century, using a woodcut technique. The pattern is reminiscent of reticella lace, popular during the Renaissance. The process begins with a design on paper, transferred to a block of wood. The areas around the design are then carefully carved away, leaving a raised surface that will receive ink. This requires skill and precision, especially for intricate lace patterns. The block is then inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the design. The black and white design mimics the openwork structure of lace, and the pattern books allowed lacemakers to reproduce and sell the designs, and the books became key tools for professional lacemakers. Lace was highly valued as clothing trimming and household décor, and these pattern books facilitated wider participation in the luxury market. These books democratized access to design. While the wealthy could afford bespoke lace, printed patterns allowed a broader segment of society to participate in its creation and consumption. This makes us reconsider the traditional hierarchy between art and craft, luxury and the everyday.