Inlaid stone marquetry has a long history. Greek and Roman mosaic tile artwork are some of the earliest inspirations. However, the Florentines took it to a whole new level.
While in Florence, Tricia and I visited the artisan workshop of the Scarpelli Family to see how to make this inlaid stone mosaic art — also known as Commesso Fiorentino in Pietre Dure, in Italian.
Our guide for this experience was Catia Scarpelli. Catia, together with her father Renzo, her mother Gabriella, and her brother Leonardo, have been turning semi-precious stone into incredible art for decades.
And their workshop is full of vibrant, luxurious examples.
*THE HISTORY OF FLORENTINE MARQUETRY* 0:52
Florentine Marquetry began during the Renaissance over 500 years ago. Under the patronage of the Medici Family, this inlaid mosaic art form blossomed around the city.
Today, at the Pietre Dure Museum, you can see stone mosaic tabletops, and wall art produced centuries ago.
A sentimental piece of wall decor in the Scarpelli workshop was produced by Catia’s brother, Leonardo. He created this artwork when he was a young boy in 1981.
*HOW TO MAKE AND CUT STONE MARQUETRY* 1:34
Making Florentine Marquetry begins with the daunting task of identifying and collecting the stone.
Then, an outline is made of the desired shape. That shape is then applied to a slice of stone.
That stone is then applied to a slate background and holes are drilled near it.
A bow saw, made of chestnut, cherry, or hazelnut wood, with its iron wire threaded through the drilled hole, is then used to cut the stone.
The iron wire has a bit of help from silicon carbide. This mixture is the second hardest abrasive in the world — after diamond dust.
Once the stone has been cut free, the shaped adhesive paper is peeled off. Then, using a glue made from pine tree resin and beeswax, the mosaic is assembled into its final form.
The result? A masterpiece.
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#Florence #Italy #StoneMarquetry #MosaicArt #travel
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