Florentine mosaics

Only skilled and experienced craftmen are able to transform the rough stone in a "painting". The inlay work is a very difficult technique that need precision, creativity, deep knowledge of the different stones and their nuance, structure, and, above all,  passion.

This is the result of three years' work by Jacopo Lastrucci, from the Lastrucci workshop in Florence: the Sibilla Libica, from the fresco by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel. This wonderful panel can be seen in the workshop. It is a nice experience to visit the workshop and see the Lastruccis working and creating new mosaics.
The inlay work, or "commesso in pietre dure", as we call it in Italian, was started in 1588, when Ferdinando I De' Medici founded the Opificio delle Pietre Dure for the decoration of the interior of the Princes' Chapel in San Lorenzo.
The stones were marbles, granites, porphyre, jaspis, lapis lazuli, calcedonium, malachite, quartz.....
The museum of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure displays the stones used, the working tools used to cut them, to glue the pieces, and the evolution of this technique from the end of the 16th century to the modern times.
Also, in occasion of the 150th anniversary of Italy, an interesting exhibition is now going on in the Gallery of Modern Art until next September: when Tuscany became part of the Italian Kingdom the granducal manifacture  (Opificio delle Pietre Dure) started to have a larger public...

Craftsmen festival in Florence

Artigianato a palazzo is a three day exhibition of almost 100 craftsmen who recreate their workshops in the beautiful garden of palazzo Corsini. This festival, held this year from May 13 to 15, is a chance to appreciate florentine artisans while they work, understanding the ability and the hard work they put into their creations. The fair showcases craftsmen that work with glass and silver, to those who restore wood and marble furniture,to confetti makers and much more.

Not to lose is also the historic garden whose lemons are centuries old just like the palace, and the possibility of relaxing , have a drink offered  and some tuscan food prepared for the visitors...