Giovanni Ostaus
Giovanni Ostaus was a notable figure active in the mid-16th century, with his documented creative period spanning the decade from 1557 to 1567. His contributions were primarily in the realm of printed books focusing on design and pattern creation, particularly intended for intricate textile work and embroidery (recami).
Ostaus’s primary recorded output consists of influential instructional design manuals. Fifteen of his books are represented in institutional collections, confirming his role in disseminating detailed patterns for Renaissance needlework. The key work documented is La vera perfettione del disegno di varie sorti di recami, which details complex patterns across multiple pages and versions.
The significance of Ostaus’s historical documentation is affirmed by the inclusion of his works in major international holdings, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Today, these seminal publications are digitized, ensuring that Ostaus’s designs remain accessible. Often sourced from the public domain, the pages of his books are reproduced as downloadable artwork and high-quality prints for researchers and enthusiasts of historical textile design.
