Rooster

The inspiration comes from Leonardo and Catia's adolescence, especially the summers spent in the remote Firenzuola, a small town in the Florentine countryside. During the summer months, the Scarpelli family would retreat there to spend time with their family, and it is there that every work depicting country life and farm animals comes to life. In fact, their friends and relatives owned many species of animals, including roosters and chickens, donkeys, cows, and goats, which provided them with much of their food. 

From a symbolic point of view the rooster symbolizes rebirth, light, courage, and vigilance. Its crowing heralds the dawn, chasing away darkness. It represents the victory of light over darkness and a new beginning. It is a solar symbol in many cultures, but also of fidelity (especially in Christianity) and boldness. Because of its morning crow, the rooster symbolizes vigilance and a watchful eye that drives away darkness and evil. It is considered a protective and combative animal, a symbol of strength, boldness, and readiness to defend one's territory. The rooster is a Christological symbol representing light and resurrection, in contrast to Peter's betrayal (the rooster crowing after his denial). 

Stones used: Lapislazzuli, Malachite, Jasper, Green from Ireland, Afyon Onix, Sodalite. 

Year of composition: 2022

Size: cm 26.5x30.5

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.