Trionfo Di Virtu. Libro Novo..., page 28 (recto)

This woodcut, "Trionfo Di Virtu. Libro Novo..., page 28 (recto)", is a fascinating example of 16th-century Italian printmaking by Matteo Pagano. Pagano was a prolific Venetian publisher known for his intricate pattern books, which provided designs for lace, embroidery, and other decorative arts. This particular piece comes from his 1563 work, "Trionfo Di Virtu. Libro Novo..." (Triumph of Virtue. New Book...), a collection of designs that likely served as inspiration for artisans. The woodcut medium, with its bold lines and strong contrasts, was perfectly suited for disseminating such patterns widely. While we don't have specific details about the imagery on this page, it fits within Pagano's broader output of decorative and instructional prints, reflecting the era's appreciation for elaborate ornamentation and the practical application of art in daily life. His works, including many other pages from this same book held in the Met's collection, demonstrate a consistent focus on detailed, repeatable motifs that were essential for the textile arts of the period.