Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce, page 6 (recto)

This delicate woodcut, "Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce, page 6 (recto)," is a testament to the intricate world of Renaissance needlework design, created by the Italian printmaker Matteo Florimi in 1591. Florimi, active in Siena, was known for producing a variety of prints, including devotional images and, as seen here, pattern books for artisans. This particular piece comes from a larger collection, "Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce" (Flowers of Embroidery Newly Brought to Light), which features numerous pages of meticulously crafted designs intended to inspire embroiderers. Unlike some of his contemporaries who focused on religious or allegorical scenes, Florimi's work in this series highlights the practical application of art in daily life, providing models for decorative arts. The existence of multiple pages from this very book within the Met Museum's collection, along with other similar works by Florimi, underscores his significant contribution to the dissemination of design motifs during the late 16th century, making these patterns accessible to a wider audience of skilled craftspeople.