Essempio di recammi, page 4 (recto)

Art Historical Context

Step into the intricate world of Renaissance needlework with *Essempio di recammi, 4 (recto)*, a delicate woodcut from 153. Created by Giovanni Antonio Tagl, with printing by Giovanni Antonio di Nicol da Sabio and his in Venice, this page is part of an early pattern book (*essempio*) offering designs for *ricami*—elaborate embroideries popular among Europe's elite. Measuring just 7 13/16 x 6 3/16 inches, it showcases ornamental motifs suited for lace, textiles, and decorative arts, reflecting the era's fascination with geometric and floral patterns. In the bustling print culture of 16th-century Italy, books like this revolutionized craftsmanship. Woodcuts, carved into blocks and inked for multiple impressions, made complex designs accessible to artisans far beyond workshops. Tagliente's work democratized high fashion, influencing tailors, lacemakers, and embroiderers across Europe. Acquired through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1935, this page now resides in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, a testament to Venice's role as a hub for innovative publishing and ornamental arts. Imagine stitching these motifs into a noble's sleeve or altar cloth—these patterns bridged art and everyday luxury, blending utility with Renaissance elegance. A charming glimpse into how prints shaped material culture!

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