Matteo Pagano

Matteo Pagano was a 16th-century Italian publisher and printer whose activity is documented around the year 1546. Pagano specialized in producing illustrated books and treatises, contributing significantly to the dissemination of published material culture during the mid-Renaissance period.

The documented record of Pagano's output, primarily in the form of printed volumes held in museum collections, totals fifteen works. These publications often focused on aesthetic and domestic subjects. A core surviving example of his contribution is the volume titled Spegio di pensieri delle belle et Virtudiose donne (Mirror of Thoughts of Beautiful and Virtuous Women). The documentation for this specific work includes individual sheets detailing the recto and verso pages, illustrating the intricate nature of the prints produced in his workshop.

Pagano’s historical significance is confirmed by the preservation of his work in leading cultural institutions. His prints and published volumes are represented in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, establishing his enduring legacy. Because of their age, many of the original Matteo Pagano prints are today considered public domain material, ensuring that high-quality prints and downloadable artwork are available for scholarly study and public appreciation.