Esemplario di lavori, page 7 (recto) 1529

This is page 7 from “Esemplario di lavori,” made by Nicolò Zoppino in Venice during the 16th century. The book contains patterns for needlework and lace-making, skills vital to women's economic and social roles during the Renaissance. Reflect on the lives of the women who would have used this book. In a time when women's access to education and professions was extremely limited, needlework offered a means of creative expression, and sometimes even financial independence. These weren't just decorative skills, they were a form of labor, of production. The intricate designs also reflect the value placed on patience and attention to detail, qualities then associated with femininity. Consider how gender and class dynamics are interwoven here; while wealthy women might use these patterns for leisure, women from poorer backgrounds would rely on them for their livelihoods. This page offers us a glimpse into the complex intersection of art, labor, and identity that shaped women's lives.