Bartolomeo Danieli (Italian, active 161043)
Published by Agostino Parisini and Giovanni Battista Negroponte, Bologna, 1639
Etching; 11 5/8 x 15 3/4 in. (29.5 x 40 cm)
Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1937 (37.47.2)
Bartolomeo Danieli published five books of lace patterns between 1610 and 1639. The early seventeenth century was a key period in the development of early lace techniques. Lacemakers developed both needle and bobbin lace techniques that eliminated the need for a woven base, thus permitting less geometric, more free-flowing and pictorial lace designs. Danieli's designs show a thorough knowledge of these new techniques.
Danieli was not the only Italian producing lace pattern books at this time; at least two other designers of note, Cesare Vecellio and Isabetta Catanea Parasole, also published books during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century. However, Danieli's work represents the height of Italian lace design, exemplified by the delicacy of his etchings and the opulent patterns.

















