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© Atelier Scarpelli
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Leonardo Scarpelli

Leonardo Scarpelli Stone marquetry maker
Contact
Italian, English, French, Japanese, Spanish
Hours:
Monday to Friday 09:30 - 18:30, Saturday 09:30 - 18:30 and Sunday 09:30 - 13:00
Phone:
+39 055212587
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Painting in stone

  • • Commesso fiorentino is a form of mosaic with semi-precious stones
  • • Fewer than ten artisans in the world master this technique perfectly
  • • Leonardo followed his father into this Florentine craft

The sound of a bow saw cutting stone was the music that accompanied Leonardo Scarpelli’s childhood. In fact, he was born into the workshop, where he spent years running after his father Renzo, a real master in the art of commesso fiorentino. “They used to tell me off all the time, because they said I was bothering everyone. In reality, I had already understood that it was the world I wanted to live in.” However, at the beginning, Renzo wasn’t at all persuaded of his son’s choice and tried to put him off in every way. “He thought that I wanted to follow in his footsteps just because it was the easiest road, and not because it was my true passion.”

Read the full interview

Works

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Lights and Flowers

The subject of this detailed pietra dura mosaic is classical, but the base on which the vase rests gives the piece a contemporary touch, accentuated by the inclusion of labradorite, a stone previously unused in traditional Florentine mosaic work.

Height 62 cm
Width 48 cm

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Solar System

In this detailed pietra dura tableau, the glowing planets of the solar system seem to be chasing one another joyfully through the dark void. The mosaic is intended to be hung up as a picture and is signed in the bottom left corner.

Length 18 cm
Width 24 cm

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Venice

This mosaic was created following the 2018 Homo Faber exhibition held on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. With his back towards the viewer, a gondolier stands poised, looking into the Venetian sunset. The pietra dura mosaic is intended to be hung up as a picture and is signed on the bottom left.

Height 27 cm
Width 21 cm

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Girl with Green Eyes

The imaginary girl with green eyes chosen as the subject of this detailed mosaic represents elegance and simplicity, sweetness and determination. The timeless portrait is intended to be hung up as a picture and is signed on the bottom left.

Height 35 cm
Width 27 cm

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Fablé

This detailed stone mosaic was inspired by a childhood memory of time spent in the Tuscan home of Leonardo’s parents. Leonardo was taught to ride close to the house hidden among the Tuscan hills. It becomes a symbol of strength and protection from the uncertainties of adult life.

Height 52 cm
Width 36 cm

Find Leonardo Scarpelli in the itinerary

Florence: in the light of the Renaissance
10 locations
In the historic city of Florence immerse yourself in craftsmanship that dates as far back as the Renaissance. Follow our recommendations to explore contemporary Florentine craftspeople who are safeguarding centuries-old traditions.
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