The Parrots – Pair Of Hardstone Marquetry Paintings

Our panels depict parrots grasping fruit from flowering branches. The inverted compositions give the impression that the birds are conversing. Directly inspired by Florentine Renaissance models, these hardstone marquetry panels are crafted from various veins of precious stones and marbles: carved and polished pavements of Sicilian jasper, Siena yellow, lapis lazuli, white Rajasthani marble, and green marble, all set against a black marble background, form the compositions.

The panels are housed in inverted-profile frames of gilded wood with marble-like centers.
Dimensions: 44 x 33 cm – 70 x 55 cm with frame.

Known for over two thousand years among the Romans, in Persia, the Middle East, and as far as India, hardstone marquetry has adorned the palaces of the world's greatest art lovers and statesmen. But it was in Florence that the technique reached its peak in the 16th century, thanks to the impetus of Ferdinand I de Medici who founded the Opificio delle Pietre Dure (the workshop of hard stone marquetry) of the Medici family.