Tuscany is one of the world's most celebrated wine regions, renowned for its unique blend of vineyards, history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This artwork is inspired by the famous Black Rooster (Gallo Nero), the symbol of Chianti Classico, one of Tuscany's most iconic wines.

According to legend, the Black Rooster became the emblem of Chianti after a contest between Florence and Siena to establish their borders. The Florentines' hungry black rooster crowed before dawn, giving their knight a head start and securing most of the Chianti territory for Florence.

The vine, grapes, and wine have long symbolized rebirth, love, abundance, joy, and celebration. In Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of wine, transformed his beloved Ampelos into the first vine, making wine a symbol of both love and renewal. In Christianity, wine represents the blood of Christ and plays a central role in the Eucharist.

Beyond its religious significance, wine has always been a symbol of community, friendship, and shared celebrations.

Used stones: Lingua d'Oca, Rhodocrosite, Onix Afyon, Belgian Black Marble, yellow marble from Siena

Year of composition: 2022

Size: cm 24,5x31,5

Artist: Renzo 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.