Vintage G. Ugolini Italian Pietra Dura Miniature Flower Botanical Gilt Frame

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A vintage, mid 20th century Italian pietra dura hard stone picturesque flower in a gilt frame. This incredibly beautiful pietra … Read more A vintage, mid 20th century Italian pietra dura hard stone picturesque flower in a gilt frame. This incredibly beautiful pietra dura features a single rose. This is one of a collection of 12 pieces from an estate out of Mystic, Ct., that I will be listing separately. The pietra dura itself measures approximately 3.5 " w x 5.25" h.

With a variety of marbles / stone represented in the work of art, this piece exudes the technical and artistic prowess that only a true master can achieve. Reminiscent of the mid century modernist works, this style of souvenir was a cherished keepsake for travelers. The art of pietra dura is believed to have originated in Florence during the 1500's where Francis I of Medici created a workshop of stone masons and hired only the best lapidaries of the time. The stone masons and lapidaries quickly combined their formidable skills in the creation of the pietra dura technique that quickly became favored by the noble class. The skilled craftsmen would inlay colored, semi-precious and different marbles into a stone or marble base. The skills involve choosing, cutting and inlaying the pieces, with sides often at angles, so the joints all but disappear and the pieces fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. The natural veining of the stones is often incorporated into the design of the finished artwork. See less