Precisely cut and color-matched stones are meticulously arranged to create stunning mosaics, often referred to as “paintings in stone” (pittura di pietra). For centuries, these timeless masterpieces from the heart of Florence have adorned the halls of cathedrals, Roman villas, and palaces around the world. We are proud to feature these exquisite works in our gallery.

In the historic Medici workshops, a unique synergy emerged among artists, craftsmen, stone seekers, and color assemblers. This collaboration led to the creation of intricate mosaics, each piece a perfect composition of unique and complex designs. These masterpieces continue the centuries-old tradition of hard stone mosaics dating back to the Renaissance, with their enduring beauty captivating audiences worldwide.

The process begins with detailed sketches, followed by the careful selection of raw stone materials and precise color choices. Artists draw inspiration from regional landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and imaginative designs. Tuscan stones such as quartzite, granite, marble, and limestone are combined with vibrant stones like lapis lazuli, malachite, agate, and turquoise to create pictorial scenes that enrich museums and private collections globally.

Employing a centuries-old technique, artists use curved chestnut or cherry wood branches strung with wire to cut each tiny piece, enabling them to  achieve intricate shapes with exceptional precision.  

The final stages involve meticulously filing the edges until they fit perfectly, bonding them with beeswax and rosin paste, and polishing them by hand to reveal the stones’ natural beauty. All featured works are crafted by master craftsman Leonardo Scarpelli, who learned this intricate art from his father, Renzo Scarpelli. Their family manufactory, “Le Pietre nell’Arte,” has achieved worldwide acclaim, with their artworks admired and collected across Europe, the U.S., South America, the Middle East, and China, perpetuating a legacy of excellence in the art of Pietra Dura.