Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce, page 18 (recto)

Matteo Florimi, 1591

MEDIUMWoodcut
DIMENSIONSOverall: 5 1/2 x 7 7/8 in. (14 x 20 cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONDrawings and Prints
CREDIT LINEThe Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1953

Stop to appreciate this delicate woodcut from a Renaissance embroidery pattern book. It reveals the intricate designs that once adorned textiles and clothing, showcasing the artistry of 16th-century decorative arts.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This intricate woodcut, a page from a 1591 pattern book titled *Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce* (Flowers of Embroidery Newly Brought to Light), offers a glimpse into the world of Renaissance needlework. The design features a delicate, repeating floral motif, perfect for adorning textiles or garments. Florimi’s book served as a practical guide for embroiderers, providing them with sophisticated patterns that could be adapted for various projects. The precision of the lines and the balanced composition highlight the decorative aesthetics popular in the late 16th century. Such pattern books were essential tools for artisans, reflecting a period when decorative arts flourished and craftsmanship was highly valued.

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What to Notice

1

The repeating pattern of stylized flowers and leaves

2

The delicate, almost lace-like quality of the design

3

The precise lines and symmetrical arrangement

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Audio Deep Dive

Stop to appreciate this delicate woodcut from a Renaissance embroidery pattern book. It reveals the intricate designs that once adorned textiles and clothing,…

Hear the full story in the app
THE ARTIST
Matteo Florimi 1540–1603

Matteo Florimi was a prolific Italian engraver and publisher, known for his religious prints and intricate embroidery patterns.

Read Matteo's full story in Art Whisper
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