Lucidario di Recami, page 11 (verso)

Art Historical Context

This woodcut page from the 1564 *Lucidario di Recami*, a Venetian pattern book for embroidery, showcases the elegant ornamental designs that circulated widely during the Renaissance. Created by Iseppo Foresto and Jeronimo Calepino, the print features graceful dolphins intertwined with flowing vines and delicate flowers—motifs drawn from classical antiquity and adapted for practical use in textile arts. At just under eight inches tall, the compact format made such pattern books portable tools for artisans and noblewomen alike. Woodcut printing allowed these intricate designs to reach a broad audience beyond court workshops, democratizing access to fashionable Renaissance ornament. The book’s classification among works of ornament and architecture highlights its dual role as both functional guide and artistic statement, reflecting the era’s fascination with symmetry, natural forms, and marine imagery symbolizing abundance and movement. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum through the Rogers Fund in 1921, this sheet preserves a vivid glimpse into 16th-century design culture, where printed patterns bridged the worlds of fine art and everyday craftsmanship.

About the Artist

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

Italian, active Venice, 1557|