Essempio di recammi, page 25 (verso)

Art Historical Context

Step into the intricate world of Renaissance needlework with *Essempio di recammi, page 25 (verso)*, a delicate woodcut from 1530 by Venetian author and printer Giovanni Antonio Tagliente, in collaboration with the printers Giovanni Antonio di Nicol da Sabio e i. This page, measuring just 7 13/16 x 6 3/16 inches, is part of a pioneering pattern book offering *esempi*—examples—of embroidery designs, showcasing symmetrical motifs likely intended for lace, textiles, or decorative borders. In early 16th-century Venice, a hub of printing innovation, books like this revolutionized craft by making elegant patterns accessible beyond elite workshops. Tagliente's work catered to both professional embroiderers and home artisans, reflecting the era's fascination with geometric and floral ornamentation inspired by Islamic textiles and classical motifs. As a woodcut, the image was carved into wood blocks and printed on paper, allowing precise replication of fine lines—a technique that bridged art and utility during the spread of the Renaissance. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1935), this artifact highlights how print culture democratized fashion and design, influencing wardrobes across Europe. Imagine 16th-century makers tracing these patterns by candlelight, stitching status symbols into everyday elegance!

About the Artist

Giovanni Antonio Tagliente|Giovanni Antonio di Nicolini da Sabio e i fratelli (Italian|Italian) · 1522 |1465 –1545 |1528

Italian, active Venice, ca. 1522–1545|Italian, Venice ca. 1465–1528 Venice