Made of marble and jasper, this antique brooch embodies the aesthetic and technical virtuosity of Florentine mosaics.

As early as the 16th century, during the reign of the Medici, the unparalleled level of excellence of the Florence factory developed thanks to the creation of the technique of manufacturing the so-called Florentine mosaic. Very soon, the professional workshop founded by Duke Ferdinand Ier attracted the best mosaic makers from all over the Italian peninsula.

Gold brooch with Florentine micro mosaic

Studying the Florentine mosaic technique enabled many of them to acquire valuable skills, which they could then sell to the farthest reaches of the European continent. As the popularity of Florentine mosaics grew, the market for them became saturated with demand. From the beginning of the 19th century, more and more experienced mosaic makers found it difficult to sell their newly acquired skills. 

Far from being an experienced worker, Alberto was only an apprentice. However, learning the Florentine mosaic technique required a perfect mastery of geometry and of working with stones in the round. So he worked hard to reach the level of the most experienced. 

With his uncommon concentration, Alberto was a quick learner, often with a disconcerting ease. He was a promising young man with a keen eye for finding the most beautiful stones. Ambitious, Alberto had already made a name for himself in the trade.

Frédéric Vidalens, Still life

This intuitive talent was revealed at the age of seven by his uncle. A lover of beautiful stones in his spare time, he then used his nephew's gift to build up an extraordinary collection. Inspired by Alberto's choices, Uncle Mario became an experienced collector. The reputation of his stones, each one more magnificent than the next, extended far beyond the borders of Tuscany. 

Alberto loved his Tuscany deeply. With delight, he travelled the length and breadth of it. Undulating hills, blond and green, pitted with cypresses lined up straight as an "i", planted with olive groves and vineyards, villages perched on a hilltop overlooking the countryside. Alberto knew the smallest plot of land and could not get enough of these wonderful landscapes. By dint of criss-crossing the Tuscan countryside, his own silhouette became a natural part of the bucolic landscape. 

One summer evening, Alberto and his uncle were dining together in the garden of his uncle's estate. The sunset bathed the countryside in a dazzling reddish light, reminiscent of the intensity of the ruby red colour of the Chianti they had just tasted. In the magic of the moment, Mario decided that the time had come to thank his nephew for his contribution to the creation of his fabulous stone collection.

Anonymous, Early 20th century school, View of San Gimignano

He motioned to Alberto to follow him. The two of them entered the house. When they reached one of the small rooms, Mario turned a cupboard around. To his nephew's great surprise, a spiral staircase stood before them. Uncle went first. At the bottom of the stairs was a safe in a tiny room. Uncle opened it and an opaque light dazzled Alberto. Inside, incredible stones glittered in their best light: brightly coloured jasper and richly textured marble. 

Mario invited Alberto to take them. He did so without asking for an explanation. Once back in the living room, Mario's uncle told him about the singular value of these stones, which were the result of Alberto's very first manifestation of his intuitive talent. Grateful to his nephew ever since, Mario now wanted to give them to him. 

Alberto knew at once what he was going to do with such a quality material: a jewel! After careful grinding, he made a sublime micro-mosaic plaque in an arabesque setting. Finally, he designed a gold brooch to support the plaque. A true aesthetic and technical feat fixed by a high precision adjustment. 

Gold brooch with Florentine micro mosaic

The brooch designed by Alberto stood out from the other Florentine mosaics and immediately became an iconic piece.

Text by Jean-Philippe Samarcq.