Mosaic

In Tuscany mosaic lives on two distinct traditions. The first is commesso fiorentino: born in the sixteenth century under Medici patronage, it had its temple in the Opificio delle Pietre Dure in Firenze, still today a world reference institution for restoration and training. The commesso uses lapis lazuli, agate, jasper, malachite and carnelian — hardstones cut wafer-thin and fitted together with no play of mortar, so that the composition looks painted. It is an elite craft, traditionally at the service of noble patrons and today of private clients of the highest profile. The second tradition is classical mosaic in tesserae — natural stone, enamel, Venetian gold glass — used for the restoration of ancient mosaics (Roman floors, medieval decoration) and for contemporary works. Active workshops are found above all in Firenze and to a lesser extent in Pisa, Siena, Lucca.

Doing it today is a niche of the highest specialisation. Commesso fiorentino lives on museum commissions, restoration, institutional gifts of representation, and unique works for collectors. Classical mosaic has a market in public restoration (churches, villas, historic buildings) and in contemporary works for luxury interiors, hotels and fine private houses. It is an extremely slow craft — a square metre of fine mosaic can take weeks of work — and therefore expensive, but those who look for it really do look for it. The real workshops combine their own production, restoration on commission, and the training of young people.