This artwork is a tribute to August Macke, one of the leading artists of the German Expressionist group Der Blaue Reiter. After studying in Bonn, Cologne, and Düsseldorf, Macke developed a distinctive style shaped by the major artistic movements of the early 20th century.

Influenced by the Fauves, the Nabis, and later by Cubism through his meeting with Robert Delaunay, Macke explored the expressive power of color and simplified forms. His friendship with Franz Marc and Wassily Kandinsky further strengthened his interest in symbolism and modern artistic expression.

Macke's promising career was cut short when he died in World War I in 1914. Despite his brief life, he left behind a remarkable body of luminous and joyful paintings that continue to be celebrated for their harmony, vibrancy, and optimism.

Leonardo Scarpelli was inspired by Macke's bold use of color, balanced geometric compositions, and ability to transform everyday scenes into poetic, radiant visions. These qualities naturally resonate with the language of Commesso Fiorentino, where light, color, and carefully arranged shapes come together to create expressive and timeless works of art.

Stones used: Red Jasper, Lapislazzuli, Sodalite, White Marble from Carrara, yellow Magnesite, Paesina, green Africa, Gabbro

Year of composition: 2023

Size: cm 18x24

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.