Pietre Dure

The technique that I use to make the "eggs" is known as Pietre Dure. It has been around for over a thousand years and has a rich history among ancient cultures. Although my pieces are far from what would be considered "micromosaics" by English speaking communities, I still follow the simplified tradition of Pietre Dure, with a modern minimalist twist. The technique founded in the Byzantine empire and truly developed and fluorished in Florence with the founding of the Opificio delle pietre dure.

In July of 2008, the Met had an exhibit called, "Art of the Royal Court: Treasures in Pietre Dure from the Palaces of Europe." It was brilliant and they released a book with the same title that is completely worth buying. Although pietre dure is commonly known as a "decorative art," the magnificence of each piece is truly permiated when viewed in person. Due to their materials, these are "eternal paintings."



Fernando Partini's "View of Pantheon" (1795-97) done in Pietre Dure technique.

Pietre Dure is typically done as a flat surface. What I am doing different with my work is turning the already somewhat 3-D pietre dure to an even more sculptural form by having it carve and bend around forms.


"Reliquary Casket" attributed to the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio, Florence, 1480s or 1490s.


-P