This mosaic was inspired by Leonardo's experience at the Munich Gem Show, where Scarpelli Mosaici was invited to exhibit its work. Encountering the extraordinary world of minerals and gemstones opened a new source of inspiration, revealing the remarkable beauty of their colors, transparency, and natural patterns.

Fascinated by their inner light and geometric structures, Leonardo created a composition that celebrates the harmony between nature and design, combining precise forms with the brilliance of precious stone.

The artwork features Rhodochrosite, a mineral renowned for its vibrant shades of pink and red, delicately layered with white bands created over thousands of years by mineral-rich water. Its unique patterns make every piece one of a kind, reflecting the slow and patient processes of nature.

By transforming this extraordinary gemstone into mosaic, the artist highlights both its natural elegance and its timeless beauty, inviting the viewer to appreciate the hidden artistry found within the earth itself.

Stones used: Rhodocrosite, Dark Gabbro, Afyon for the background. 

Year of composition: 2023

Size: cm 24x23,5

Artist: Leonardo Scarpelli

An original and authentic hand-made artwork created whith the antique technique of Commesso Fiorentino which is unique for Florence.

Commesso Fiorentino was born with Medici family, one of the most important families in Florence, in the second half of 1500.

The research of the stones is made by the mosaicist that must be able to choose from a rich and wide range of shades and veins: for this reason the artists personally search and collect the stones retracing the paths of the Medici researchers.

The processing starts by drawing the subject on adhesive paper, that is then cut into small tamplates that will be attached to the variegated shades of the stones following the visual instinct, the innate gift of the artist and his perfect knowledge of the materials. The shape of the little piece will be cut by hand with a chestnut, cherry or hazelnut wood bow and an iron wire that flows with abrasive powder and water. It creates a very precise and inclined cut to form the essential spaces to accommodate the glue, made by artisans with beeswax and pine tree resin. The different stones are previously glued onto a slate surface which acts as a support during the cutting and filing phase. The various pieces which form the composition are adjusted in shape with diamond files, glued together so that the joints are invisible, flattened and finally polished in order to create a perfect decorative harmony showing the colors of nature in all their radiance.

Other minerals from the collection:

Other minerals made for custom works: