Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce, page 4 (recto) by Matteo Florimi

Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce, page 4 (recto)

Matteo Florimi · 1591

Scroll

“Stop to appreciate this intricate woodcut design, a practical template from 1591 used by embroiderers to create beautiful textiles for clothing and home decor. It's a window into the decorative arts of the late Renaissance.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This woodcut, "Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce, page 4 (recto)," presents a delicate design intended for embroidery. The page features two distinct patterns, each framed by a thin border. On the left, a vertical panel displays a repeating motif of stylized floral elements, their petals and leaves unfurling in a symmetrical rhythm. To the right, a smaller, square design offers a more intricate, almost lace-like arrangement of leaves and tendrils, suggesting a corner embellishment. These patterns are not merely decorative; they served as practical templates for artisans in the late 16th century, guiding their needlework for clothing, linens, and household items. The precise lines and careful rendering demonstrate the skill required to translate complex designs into a printable format, making these books invaluable resources for the decorative arts of the period.

DETAILS
Artist
Matteo Florimi
Date
1591
Medium
Woodcut
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
Overall: 5 1/2 x 7 7/8 in. (14 x 20 cm)
Collection
Drawings and Prints
Credit line
The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1953
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce, page 4 (recto)
01

Observe the two distinct patterns on this single page.

02

Note the repeating floral motif in the vertical panel on the left.

03

Examine the delicate, almost lace-like quality of the square design on the right.

04

See the fine lines that define each leaf and petal, typical of woodcut printing.

AUDIO DEEP DIVE

Stand in front of it and listen

The full narration walks you through Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce, page 4 (recto) — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.

0:00Preview · 0:30Free preview · 0:30 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 Florimi’s full story
MORE FROM THIS ARTIST

Further Works by Florimi

1 / 2
KEEP EXPLORING

More works to explore

Beyond Florimi: works from the same years.

Hear Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti…’s storyFree in the Art Whisper app Open