Lucidario di Recami, page 10 (recto)

Art Historical Context

Step into the intricate world of Renaissance embroidery with *Lucidario di Recami*, page 10 (recto), a delicate woodcut created in 1564 by Italian artists Iseppo Foresto Jeronimo Calep. Measuring just 7 7/8 x 5 7/8 inches, page from a specialized pattern book bursts with entwined birds, blooming flowers, and sinuous vines—hallmarks of ornamental design classified under Books, Prints, and Ornament & Architecture. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (acquired via the Rogers Fund in 1921), it exemplifies the era's fascination with nature-inspired motifs. Printed via woodcut—a technique where intricate designs were carved into wooden blocks, inked, and pressed onto paper—this artwork served as a practical guide for artisans crafting lace, embroidery, and textiles. In 16th-century Italy, such affordable pattern books revolutionized decorative arts, making sophisticated Renaissance patterns accessible beyond elite workshops. The flowing vines and lively birds reflect the grotesque style popular in the period, blending realism with fantasy to inspire opulent fabrics and furnishings. Today, this modest page reminds us how print technology fueled creativity, bridging fine art and craft while preserving timeless motifs that continue to influence design. A true gem for lovers of historical ornamentation!

About the Artist

Iseppo Foresto|Jeronimo Calepino (Italian|Italian) · 1520 |1500 –1580 |1600

Italian, active Venice, 1557|