The exhibition From court splendour to bourgeois luxury: the Opificio delle Pietre Dure in unified Italy is one of the events organized to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy, and outlines the history from 1861 onwards of the artistic production that for three centuries flourished under the patronage of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, becoming famous throughout Europe for its unique creations in semi-precious stones.

Founded by the Medici, the ancient workshop – the Galleria dei Lavori – was obliged to change direction and transform itself from a laboratory operating exclusively for the court to a manufacturer open to private commissions.

However, this new approach attracted high-ranking clients, such as the Tsar of Russia and Ludwig II of Bavaria. Some of the objects created by the Opificio delle Pietre Dure were, on the other hand, commissioned by the bourgeoisie, who also loved the delightful inlays of the Florentine manufacturer.

The exhibition includes table tops, caskets, and statues in semi-precious stones, together with furniture and other objects, the chromatic splendour of whose rare stones, placed with delicate pictorial expertise, and whose decorative inventions expressive of the artistic taste of their time still enchant visitors today. Applied arts, such as painting and sculpting, are also present in the exhibition with examples that recreate the artistic setting in which the ancient workshop was active, with its new name, the Opificio delle Pietre Dure.

The creations of the Opificio inevitably became a point of reference for independent artisans whose private workshops flourished at the time thanks to the popularity of Florentine mosaics and whose most representative pieces, some of which were so appreciated by King Victor Emmanuel II that he bought them for his royal residence at Pitti Palace, are included in the exhibition.

This is the first exhibition dedicated to the last artistic creative period of the Opificio, which, ever since its foundation centuries ago, has proudly upheld its great tradition.

With the changing times, the workshop was neither willing nor able to adapt to market requirements. Since the turn of the century, the Opificio has chosen to dedicate its treasure of manual skills and innovative technologies applied in the workshop – which are illustrated in the exhibition – to the new requirements for the preservation of the national artistic heritage.

From court splendour to bourgeois luxury: the Opificio delle Pietre Dure in unified Italy
Pitti Palace, Modern Art Gallery

17th May - 11th September
€ 13.00

Info:+ 39 055 294883     www.unannoadarte.it