Gemma pretiosa della virtuose donne, page 9 (recto) 1625

This is page nine of a book of lace patterns, printed from a woodblock, by Isabella Catanea Parasole in Italy, sometime around 1600. These intricate geometric patterns are designs for needle lace, a luxury item worn by wealthy Europeans to denote status and taste. Notice how the patterns are based on squares and circles, divided and elaborated to create complex, but balanced designs. In the Renaissance, geometry was associated with reason and order and the capacity for rational thought was linked to both social and economic standing. Books like this allowed women to participate in the early modern economy, as designers, producers, and consumers of luxury goods. The title of the book refers to virtuous women. But it is important to note that the concept of virtue at this time involved far more than just moral purity. For women in the 16th century, skilled handiwork could be a sign of wealth, taste, and above all, status. By studying these designs, and the historical forces that produced them, we can learn more about the social world of early modern Europe.