Trionfo Di Virtu. Libro Novo..., page 11 (recto)

Matteo Pagano, 1563

MEDIUMWoodcut
DIMENSIONSOverall: 9 13/16 x 7 7/8 in. (25 x 20 cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONDrawings and Prints
CREDIT LINEHarris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1937

Step into the 16th century with Matteo Pagano's intricate woodcut from his "Triumph of Virtue" series, a testament to Venetian printmaking and the era's fascination with allegorical instruction.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This woodcut, "Trionfo Di Virtu. Libro Novo..., page 11 (recto)", is a fascinating example of Matteo Pagano's work from 1563. Pagano was a prolific Venetian publisher and printmaker, particularly known for his pattern books of lace and embroidery designs. While many of his works, like "L'Honesto Essempio (The Accurate Example)" from 1556, focused on practical applications for artisans, "Trionfo Di Virtu" (Triumph of Virtue) suggests a more allegorical or instructional purpose. This piece is part of a larger series of woodcuts, with numerous other pages from the same book also found in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. The medium of woodcut allowed for widespread dissemination of images and ideas in the 16th century, making such books accessible to a broader audience. While the specific imagery on this page isn't detailed, it undoubtedly contributes to the book's overarching theme of virtue, likely through intricate decorative motifs or illustrative scenes that would have resonated with contemporary viewers.

LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The intricate detail of the woodcut lines

2

Any repeating patterns or motifs

3

The overall composition and balance

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Audio Deep Dive

Step into the 16th century with Matteo Pagano's intricate woodcut from his "Triumph of Virtue" series, a testament to Venetian printmaking and the era's fascin…

Hear the full story in the app
THE ARTIST
Matteo Pagano

Matteo Pagano, an Italian printmaker, created intricate woodcut designs for lace patterns and other decorative arts in 16th-century Venice.

Read Matteo's full story in Art Whisper
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