Matteo Florimi

Matteo Florimi was a print designer, engraver, or publisher active in the late sixteenth century, documented specifically in 1591. His artistic contributions focus exclusively on the production of printed pattern books, placing him within the specialized field of decorative and instructional printmaking.

Fifteen books associated with Florimi are represented in museum collections, establishing his significance in the history of design and textile arts. His most notable documented work is Fiori di Ricami Nuovamente Posti in Luce (Flowers of Embroidery Newly Brought to Light), a publication detailing intricate patterns intended for embroidery or lace making. The careful preservation of specific components of this work, including several folios and pages, reinforces the lasting importance of these early design manuals.

The historical significance of Florimi’s output is established by its inclusion in major institutional holdings, notably the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Today, the designs contained in these historical records, often available as high-quality prints, reside in the public domain, providing valuable source material for researchers interested in sixteenth-century European decorative arts and the history of textile pattern design.