Lucidario di Recami, page 13 (recto) 1564

Iseppo Foresto created this page of embroidery designs, titled "Lucidario di Recami," sometime in the 16th century using woodcut on paper. The composition is dominated by the contrast between organic, curvilinear forms and rigid geometric structures. Each distinct motif, set against a grid, displays Foresto's formal approach. The top design, featuring vines and leaves, juxtaposes flowing natural shapes with the grid's sharp lines. Below, the arabesque patterns introduce complexity through interlaced lines and stylized leaves. These patterns are meticulously rendered, with the grid acting as a foundation upon which the design elements can be strategically arranged, reflecting a controlled yet decorative impulse. Such designs were not merely decorative; they functioned as templates. The grid suggests a systematic approach to design, reflecting a broader cultural interest in order and proportion during the Renaissance. Foresto's strategic organization underscores how artistic expression is intertwined with systems of knowledge and representation.