Italian mosaic. Florence, Grand Tour, 19th century

Italian mosaic. Florence, Grand Tour, 19th century.
Marbles and hard stones.
Measurements: 14 x 21 cm, 24 x 31 cm (with frame).

Italian mosaic made in Florence in the 19th century, composed by combining marbles and hard stones of different tonalities. The scene represents a rooster and a hen on an architectural or barnyard surface, treated with great attention to the colorful plumage, the volume of the bodies and the small naturalistic details. The contrast between the dark background and the figures of the birds highlights the chromatic richness of the materials used.

The work is part of the Florentine tradition of commesso di pietre dure, a technique particularly appreciated since modern times and successfully recovered during the 19th century for the international market. These pieces were in great demand by travelers on the Grand Tour, who purchased mosaics, tables, plaques and decorative objects as a refined souvenir of their stay in Italy.