Mosaïques de pierres dures

Abstract

Created by Ferdinando I de’ Medici in 1588, the Opificio delle Pietre Dure is dedicated to the production of commessi and semi-precious mosaics. In their creativity, technical perfection and preciousness of their material, these works were particularly appreciated beyond the Grand Duchy of Tuscany’s borders. Indeed, the Medicis had created a gift to the rulers of other European courts. Their policy led to emulation: first, Rudolph II of Augsburg, enthused by the work he himself had commissioned in Florence, decided to invite the Florentine artisans to Prague to create a manufacture. This was followed by Louis XIV, who set up a semi-precious stones workshop in the heart of the Gobelins, while during the eighteenth century, Charles de Bourbon founded two factories on the Florentine model, one in the kingdom of Naples and another in Spain. Florentine mosaics continued to enjoy international prestige during the Lorena reign of (1737–99). Throughout the nineteenth century, when Florence was no longer the seat of the court, the Opificio counted among its clients Ludwig II of Bavaria and the Tsar of Russia. These commands were the last of a royal manufacture that lasted for three centuries. Now the Opificio is dedicated to the restoration of artworks.