Italy

It was during the Renaissance that Italian embroidery was famous throughout Europe for its meticulous detail and technical proficiency.

Under the patronage of the Medicis, Florence became an important centre for embroidery. Prominent artists such as Raphael, were commissioned to make designs to be stitched by such men as Antonio Pollaiuolo, whose embroideries were recognised as important examples of Renaissance art.

In Venice, typical openwork evolved into lace, removing threads and replacing them with stitches.

Casalguidi is known for another distinct form of white linen embroidery and in Florence expensive silk and woollen threads were worked on canvas in a technique known today as Bargello work after the palace there.

Click on the image for a larger view