The family-run company Scarpelli continues the ancient art of Florentine mosaic using sliced, polished and shaped hard stone, known as Pietre Dure, following techniques which have been handed down since the Renaissance.

A graduate of the Art Institute of Florence, Master Leonardo Scarpelli now applies his artistry to create contemporary stone-inlay pictures designed for the 21st century. From his pre-drawn design or picture, Leonardo, cuts and shapes precisely fitting thin slabs of stone, positioned beside one another to create a portrait, still life, landscape, or geometric pattern.

Much of the stone used is collected by the Scarpelli team from all across Italy, examples include Onyx, Chalcedony, Gabbro and Paesina, a variety of landscape limestone found in the Northern Apennine mountains. Other semi-precious stones are imported, such as Lapis lazuli, Malachite and Labradorite. This extensive range provides a pallet rich in natural hues, colour variations and textures from which the artist skilfully creates a “stone picture” of astonishing realism and beauty.

The company, founded by Master Renzo Scarpelli, is now managed by Catia, his eldest daughter, who handles all aspects of business. communications and corporate image.

The art of Pietre Dure is unique to Florence and Scarpelli Mosaici is proud to preserve and further develop this centuries-old heritage; itself an Italian treasure.