Butterflies are a signature classic from Scarpelli Mosaici. Drawing inspiration from nature's extraordinary colors, the artist delights in creating ever-new patterns using a wide variety of semi-precious stones—such as lapis lazuli, malachite, and rhodochrosite—as well as mother-of-pearl and seashells to add radiance to the butterflies' wings.

The metamorphosis of the butterfly, from caterpillar to chrysalis and, finally, to butterfly, is undoubtedly the most powerful meaning of this symbol, because it represents change, personal growth, rebirth and transformation. The butterfly, with its ability to fly freely, also symbolizes freedom and lightness, which is why giving a jewel with this symbol can also be linked to liberation from material or emotional restrictions and to approaching life with a new, more carefree and joyful. 

The delicate beauty of butterflies, so colourful, particular and unique, symbolize natural beauty and uniqueness, precisely. In fact, in many cultures, butterflies are associated with grace and elegance, making them a popular motif in the arts, fashion and even as a popular symbol in jewelry. 

Butterfly Symbolism is very widespread in the Western world. In our culture the butterfly is a symbol of rebirth, transformation, courage and hope. It is undeniable that the butterfly occupies a privileged place in the animal world in the eyes of human beings and not only for its symmetry, colors and elegance, but also for the suggestion that its metamorphosis causes. 

The blue butterfly metaphorically symbolizes life, and with it the choices, the present and the future which are totally in our hands. The blue butterfly reminds us that, no matter the challenges and difficulties we encounter, we always have the ability to transform ourselves and find our true essence. Stories about the blue butterfly date back to ancient times. These butterflies were said to be celestial messengers, sent by the gods to communicate with humans. In ancient cultures, the appearance of a blue butterfly was often seen as an auspicious sign, a herald of prosperous and happy times. In other legends, it was said that anyone who possessed a blue butterfly would have magical powers, the ability to communicate with the spiritual world or even heal. These narratives highlight the importance and reverence that the blue butterfly has had throughout history.

According to the legend of the blue butterfly, many years ago a man was widowed and had to take care of his two daughters alone. The two little girls were very curious, intelligent and were always in a hurry to learn. They constantly peppered their father with questions to satisfy their hunger for knowledge. At times, the father could answer wisely, however, his daughters' questions very often prevented him from giving them a correct or convincing answer for their age and his preparation was constantly put to the test. At a certain point the father began to fear that he would no longer be able to satisfy their desire for knowledge. So, as soon as they were old enough, he sent them for a while to a wise old man who lived on the top of a mountain. The wise man would take care of the girls, nourishing their souls thirsty for curiosity. So, day after day, the little ones explored nature and with the help of the wise old man they found the answers to all their questions. The old man's wisdom was truly surprising and the two girls decided to put him to the test to measure his actual greatness. The older sister devised a plan. She caught a blue butterfly and hid it in her apron, then explained to her younger sister how they would behave:  

"This will be our secret weapon to deceive the sage. We will ask him if the butterfly that is in my hand is alive or dead. If she answers that she is alive, I will shake hands to kill her. If she answers that she is dead, I will open my hand and free her. Therefore the answer that the wise man gives will always be wrong." 

The sisters reached the sage and asked him the question: "Could you tell us if the butterfly in my hand is alive or dead?". 

The sage showed off a mischievous smile and replied: "It's up to you, since the butterfly is in your hands!"

The blue butterfly is comparable to life. We have the option to crush it or set it free. In fact, we have the power to do what we want with it, being the only ones responsible. As are the present and the future which remain only in our hands. Taking responsibility for actions is part of life, something we all need to do. We should never blame others if something goes wrong. If we achieve something good or if we are not happy with our life, we must remember that we are the only ones truly responsible for our happiness, because true happiness is within us.  

Size: cm 9x12

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.