Ornamento nobile...Fatta da Lucretia Romana (Libro V of the Corona), page 14 (recto)

Art Historical Context

This exquisite woodcut, titled *Ornamento nobileFatta da Lucret Romana* from page 14 (recto) of Libro V in the *Corona* series, was created around 1620 by Alessandro' Vecchi and Cesareellio. Vecellio, a prominent Venetian engraver and pattern-book innovator, is celebrated for his detailed illustrations of costumes and motifs, while de' Vecchi contributed to this collaborative effort. Measuring 12 3/16 x 8 1/4 inches, the print exemplifies the intricate ornamental designs prized in early 17th-century Europe. Printed as a woodcut—a durable technique ideal for reproducing fine patterns in books—this page showcases "noble ornament" attributed to Lucretia Romana, likely a nod to classical or Renaissance-inspired lacework or embroidery motifs. Such books served as vital resources for artists, architects, and artisans, disseminating elaborate decorative elements from Italy across workshops in Europe. The bold lines and symmetrical flourishes reflect Mannerist influences, blending antiquity with contemporary elegance. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1933), this work highlights the cultural role of pattern books in standardizing opulent designs for textiles, furniture, and architecture. Imagine 17th-century needleworkers or goldsmiths poring over it, bringing these noble patterns to life in the glittering courts of the Baroque era.

About the Artist

Alessandro de' Vecchi|Cesare Vecellio (Italian|Italian) · 1570 |1521 –1629 |1601

Italian, active Venice, 1570–1629|Italian, Pieve di Cadore 1521–1601 Venice