In my recently published “I LOVE Museums” Post featuring the Museum of the Opaficio delle Pietre Dure here in Florence, I shared about how, by chance, seeing pietre dure works in the windows, I walked into Scarpelli Mosaici – Galleria e Laboratorio and ran into a good friend who was chatting with Catia Scarpelli.
I was introduced, and while admiring their works, expressed my interest in learning more pietre dure. She graciously agreed that I could return in order to observe, learn and write a “Learning with Locals” blog post.
A few weeks later I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting with Catia and was introduced to the “family” of artisans at Scarpelli Mosaici. They generously allow visitors to observe while they work and, I have to say, it’s absolutely incredible and fascinating to witness firsthand how these beautiful artworks emerge from stones…just as they have for hundreds of years!
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♦ What is “pietre dure”?
Let me start by reviewing exactly what pietre dure is and the technique used to create “stone paintings”. Pietre dure, does literally mean “paintings in stone” but it is not quite what you may think of as “mosaic”.
In mosaics the tesserae (typically small pieces of tile, stone or glass) are more uniform in size, usually about the size of a fingernail, and then carefully arranged to create images. You’ve probably seen mosaics on ceilings, walls, floors, etc. since before the Roman times and today, perhaps, in your own kitchen or bathroom!
Pietre dure, however, takes mosaic to another level in that the original image – be it artwork, a sketch or a painting – is first duplicated/traced. Then it is “cut” into individual sections, each to be recreated in stone. These individual pieces are painstakingly juxtaposed, not only to fit exactly but to recreate a seamless stone version of the original.
Needless to say, this requires committing to years of training and a commitment to excellence and perfection. This experience, coupled with an artistic instinct and ability to “see” the finished piece, choose the perfect stones to be used and then recreate the exact image in extraordinary detail is remarkable.
And, as remarkable it that it is virtually impossible to distinguish the stone painting from the original!
This craft is unique to Florence and is only found in a few workshops. Scarpelli is, of course, one of those workshops that we will meet today…
Visit Scarpelli Mosaici with me!
♦ A Little Family History…
The heart (dare I say, “rock”) of Scarpelli Mosaici is Renzo Scarpelli. Born nearby, in 1960, as a young man he joined the team of artisans at the shop of Giovanni Fiaschi. Learning the craft firsthand, by 1972, he decided to venture out on his own and opened his first workshop in the suburbs of Florence. He began to sell his artworks to shops in the historical center and within five years, he was able to hang his sign, “Le Pietre nell’Arte”, in a larger space nearby.
The next years were focused on establishing his reputation and raising a family. By1999, his oldest daughter, Catia, now also involved in the family business, found a more perfect location in Piazza del Duomo which she soon managed and continues to do successfully to this day.
♦ The Scarpelli Team of Artisans
Of course, as is so often the case in artisan workshops, Scarpelli Mosaici is a “family affair”. Family by blood and “family” by association for decades!
Renzo is, of course, the “patriarch”.
Catia manages the shop/gallery including communications, and greeting customers and clients. She graciously introduces, describes and guides visitors through the workshop which is always buzzing with activity.
Since 1992 Renzo’s second son, Leonardo, has worked by his side joining him on searches for stones in the hills of Tuscany. He expresses his artistic talents with a more contemporary style.
In 1979, Stefano joined Scarpelli at the tender age of 16 and, described as “a precious craftsman”, whose artisan knowledgeable in all phases of producing the beautiful objects you see in their gallery, is invaluable.
Pier Paolo joined Scarpelli in 2001 and has, during his tenure, “refined the technique and pace of production that is truly unique in the mosaic scene”.
♦ The Technique of Pietre Dure ♦
Seeing is believing is certainly the case. To be accurate, I will share directly from the Scarpelli site…
♦ The Stones
The traditional techniques, “secrets” of pietre dure, have been handed down from the Medici era. However, where to find the stones according to the Medici maps (which were followed for centuries) was lost when the last of four generations of Medici died.
Renzo and Leonardo diligently research, search, and collect stones in the hills of Florence retracing the footsteps of the Medici researchers.
Stones (hundreds of them!) are chosen for their color and hardness Those that are not available are imported (e.g., turquoise, lapis lazuli, malachite).
♦ The Technique (again, for accuracy, I have drawn from the Scarpelli website!)
The creative process is fascinating:
1. Drawing on paper – first the subject to be created is drawn/traced onto paper.
2. The drawing is then cut into small pieces which will be patterns to be attached to the stone that has been carefully chosen by the artist.
Catia emphasizes that they are designers, not just making copies and, indeed, the art of “macchiatura” – creating a “stone palette” – finding the hues among thousands of stones!
⇓ CLICK & watch Leonardo! ⇓
3. The paper “pattern” is affixed and each piece of stone is precisely cut by hand with chestnut, cherry or hazelnut wood bow and iron wire – exactly like the tools used for centuries!
(Note: the pieces are placed upside down and cut slightly beveled to have space for the glue!)
⇓ CLICK & watch these videos of Renzo and Stefano at work! ⇓
Stefano demonstrates patience & attention to detail
4. The pieces of stone are precisely joined and glued with a beeswax and pine tree resin (made by the artisan).
5. Then it is glued onto a slate surface for the final cutting/filing phase.
6. Pieces are carefully adjusted so that the joints/seams are invisible.
7. The finished piece is then meticulously “flattened” and “finally polished in order to create a perfect decorative harmony showing the colors of nature in all their radiance.”
⇓ CLICK & watch Pier Paolo finish the pieces! ⇓
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♦ Enjoy just SOME of the finished master works you will find at Scarpelli Mosaici!
This absolutely stunning piece can be viewed front and back…and watch the video as the light reflects the nuances and details!
⇒ CLICK HERE & watch carefully! A glimpse of this magical piece from both sides!
Their reputation for excellence is internationally recognized. They receive commissions from private clients as well as celebrated designers and luminaries…
Voila!! Certainly it’s truly remarkable…magical, and a testimony to infinite patience, exceptional craftsmanship and remarkable dedication! And frankly, I am (almost) at a loss for words (and you will be, too)!
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♦ Scarpelli Mosaici Showroom/Gallery:
It isn’t hard to see why Scarpelli has received so much recognition and so many accolades and awards.
Congratulations Catia on your most recent recognition, the “Donna del Marmo 2021” Award:
“The official ceremony was held on the occasion of Marmomac in Verona. The award is intended for those who have distinguished themselves for having valued the world of marble and stone.”
Visit Scarpelli Mosaici Galleria e Laboratorio:
Scarpelli Mosaici
Via Ricasoli, 59r
50122 Firenze
info@scarpellimosaici.it
+39 055212587
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I ♥LOVE♥ Learning with Locals!
Read about the other fabulously dedicated and talented locals that I have had the privilege to meet…
And when YOU come to Italy, you can meet them and other locals! Just contact me for more information about how your next visit will be your most memorable!
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4 thoughts on “Learning with Locals: Scarpelli Mosaici and the Extraordinary Art of “Painting in Stone”!”
Wonderful post! I’ve “only” seen pietre dure work on table tops as in the Pitta Palace and they are totally amazing! Such fine, demanding, beautiful works of art. Thanks again for another lesson from the locals!
Grazie Phyllis! It is totally amazing and exquisite! Next time you’re in Florence, new places to visit, si??
As always, your loyalty and comments are so appreciated!
V.
No question that there are going to be new places to visit next time and we both hope we can do it with you!
I hope so, too! And I love that you and Joe are finding these posts interesting and adding new places to visit when you come to Florence!
V.
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