Gemma pretiosa della virtuose donne, page 13 (recto) 1625

This is page 13 from “Gemma pretiosa della virtuose donne,” or “The Precious Gem of Virtuous Women,” created by Isabella Catanea Parasole sometime between 1585 and 1625. As a pattern book for lace making, this work speaks volumes about the lives of women during the late Renaissance. During this period, women were often confined to the domestic sphere, and their creativity was expressed through needlework and other “feminine” crafts. Lace making, in particular, was seen as a virtuous and refined skill, an important accomplishment for women of the upper and middle classes. Isabella Catanea Parasole, however, defied these expectations by becoming a successful artist and businesswoman. In doing so, she challenged the prevailing gender norms of her time. By publishing her own pattern books, Parasole empowered women to create beautiful and intricate works of art and perhaps find a sense of purpose and accomplishment within the confines of their social roles. Through these works, she also left a lasting legacy of female creativity and entrepreneurship.