The Florentine Commesso is a technique of hardstone craftsmanship originally developed to decorate the Medici family mausoleum, the Chapel of the Princes.
The guided tour I propose includes the Museum of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure as well as the Chapel of the Princes within the San Lorenzo complex. The chapel was designed in the early 17th century at the behest of Grand Duke Ferdinando to showcase the grandeur and splendor of his lineage to future generations.
Upon request, the itinerary can be extended to include a visit to an artisan workshop, where you can observe the stages of production in real-time and learn the secrets of this refined artistic technique.
The Origins of Florentine Commesso: The Medici and Their Passion for Stones
During the Renaissance, the renowned Lorenzo de’ Medici, known as “The Magnificent,” amassed a collection of cameos, gems, and exquisite vases made from hardstones. These refined and rare items, often of ancient or medieval origin, were sourced from far beyond Florence. Notable examples of his collection remain today and can be seen at the Museo degli Argenti, now called the Treasure of the Grand Dukes at Palazzo Pitti. At that time, Florentine workshops had not yet begun working with such materials. However, a few years later, Duke Cosimo I brought skilled rock crystal carvers from Milan to Florence, introducing the technique to local artisans. In 1588, Ferdinando I, Cosimo’s son and the third Grand Duke of Tuscany, officially founded the Galleria dei Lavori—the first dedicated workshop for hardstone crafting. It employed local, Milanese, and international artisans and masters.
The workshop soon specialized in the commesso technique, which became celebrated across Europe, producing unique, unparalleled pieces that helped enhance the Medici’s reputation and their collections.
Florentine commesso is a type of mosaic crafted from hardstones such as lapis lazuli, jasper, malachite, chalcedony, agate, and countless others. Utilizing the natural colors of the stones, artisans created luxurious decorative items, including tabletops, cabinets, wall panels, caskets, holy water fonts, and reliquaries.
The term “commesso” refers to the precise assembly of small stone pieces to form what is known as a “stone painting.” The shading and color transitions are so subtle and gradual that they resemble brushstrokes.
The Florentine workshops also created gifts for European courts, often presented at weddings or special events to strengthen alliances and political agreements.
These official workshops continued to produce remarkable pieces even after the extinction of the Medici grand ducal line.
Guided Tour of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure Museum in Florence
The Opificio delle Pietre Dure Museum is a small museum, often considered “minor” within Florence’s vast museum scene. Visitors rarely encounter lines here, but this hidden gem offers a rich and rewarding experience.
Over more than three centuries, the artisans of the Opificio created an array of exquisite items, including tabletops, jewelry cabinets, and devotional objects. Many of these masterpieces remain at the Opificio and are now displayed in the Museum, which was recently renovated to include sections dedicated to tools of the trade and a collection of hardstones.
The Medici Chapels in San Lorenzo
The workshop founded by Ferdinando I in 1588 initially focused on decorating the Chapel of the Princes, the Medici grand ducal mausoleum. This ambitious project demanded vast resources and continued until the Medici line ended in the 18th century.
The chapel was envisioned as being entirely clad in marbles and hardstones, forming a grand funerary mantle that would eternally commemorate the illustrious Florentine dynasty.
The artisans worked tirelessly, even dedicating years to crafting an altar temple for the chapel’s center. While the altar was never completed, some components remained in the workshop and are now exhibited in the Opificio Museum. Notable examples include panels featuring vibrant floral vases on dark Flemish paonazzetto marble and biblical scenes showcasing the artisans’ magical ability to exploit the natural hues of the stones.
The Lorena family eventually completed the chapel’s decoration, though they departed from the Medici’s original vision for the ceiling. The Medici had planned a vault covered with lapis lazuli slabs and gilded bronze motifs, but the Lorena opted for a fresco depicting biblical scenes.
Modern-Day Florentine Modern Mosaic: Visiting an Artisan Workshop
Until a few decades ago, numerous artisan workshops continued to craft hardstone mosaics using the original techniques developed during the Medici era. Today, however, only a few remain. This craft requires a long apprenticeship, dedication, and years of labor to master the skills necessary for producing high-quality mosaics. Despite the challenges, these remaining workshops still cater to the market, creating both small mosaics and unique, prestigious pieces on commission. Often, the craft is passed down from generation to generation, with a few passionate young artisans preserving this historic Florentine art form.
During the guided tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of these workshops, observe the tools and materials, and experience the allure of this ancient craft. You’ll see raw hardstones—unassuming at first glance—chosen for the vibrant colors often hidden within, revealed only by the expert hands of master artisans.
You’ll discover traditional methods, such as cutting stones with a bow and abrasive powder, assembling pieces with natural resin and beeswax adhesives, and performing the final polishing.
Witnessing the creation of a Florentine mosaic is a captivating experience, though the time required to craft even a small object—weeks of painstaking labor—means the entire process cannot be observed in a single visit. Nevertheless, this glimpse into the world of hardstone artistry is unforgettable.