Giardineto novo di punti tagliati et gropposi per exercitio & ornamento delle donne (Venice 1554), page 16 (verso) 1554

This is a page from ‘Giardineto novo di punti tagliati et gropposi per exercitio & ornamento delle donne’ a book made in Venice in 1554 by Matteo Pagano. Printed pattern books like this one were very popular in the 16th century, and they reflect a growing interest in domestic crafts, particularly among women of the merchant class. The image presents a complex geometric design, reflecting the period's fascination with intricate patterns. The title translates as ‘New Garden of cut and knotted stitches for the exercise and ornament of women’ and is designed for use in embroidery and lace making. Venice was at this time a thriving center for trade and commerce, and the production and consumption of luxury goods played a significant role in its economy and social life. Books like this were a crucial means of disseminating design ideas. By studying surviving examples of needlework from the period, along with household inventories and other documents, we can better understand the role of women in the creation and circulation of these beautiful and intricate designs.