Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce, page 9 (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 intricate woodcut from a 16th-century Italian pattern book, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated designs that guided Renaissance embroidery and textile arts.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This woodcut, "Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce, page 9 (recto)," presents a delicate geometric pattern, a testament to the intricate needlework popular in late 16th-century Italy. The design features a repeating motif of stylized flowers and leaves, arranged in a precise grid that suggests a template for embroidery. Each element is rendered with a fine balance of solid lines and open spaces, creating a sense of lightness despite the density of the pattern. Published in 1591, this print comes from a pattern book, a common resource for artisans and wealthy households alike, providing inspiration and instruction for textile arts. These books were essential for disseminating fashionable designs across Europe, influencing everything from domestic linens to elaborate court attire. The woodcut medium, with its crisp lines and strong contrasts, was ideal for reproducing these patterns, making them accessible for study and replication.

LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The central floral motif, a six-petaled blossom with a dotted center

2

How the leaves spiral outwards from the central flower

3

The delicate dots and dashes within the petals, adding texture

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Audio Deep Dive

Stop to appreciate this intricate woodcut from a 16th-century Italian pattern book, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated designs that guided Renaissance e…

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THE ARTIST
Matteo Florimi 1540–1603

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

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