Lituana Di Sabatino

La Nuova Musiva

Stone marquetry maker

©Ruth Miriam Carmeli

Colourful stone puzzles

Lituana specialises in Florentine mosaics
She learned everything about stones from her master, Roberto Marrucci
She uses an ancient technique to create innovative artworks

A mosaic artist and restorer specialised in the commesso fiorentino technique, Lituana Di Sabatino was still a student in Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna, when a trip to Florence determined her future career. She visited the museum of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, which is a historical semi-precious stones workshop and nowadays an important restoration centre. Lituana was so impressed by the stone work there that she decided to train as a Florentine mosaic maker. After graduating, she moved to Florence and become an apprentice in the workshop of master Roberto Marrucci. "He was an excellent teacher, passing on not only his skills but also the passion for his craft. He used to take me to see quarries where I learned everything about stones,” Lituana remembers. “He lighted a fire in me.”

Interview

©Jonny Ventura

©Ruth Miriam Carmeli

What is the commesso fiorentino technique?: It is a sort of jigsaw puzzle, where precious and semi-precious stones are cut and assembled following a preliminary drawing. It is different from the byzantine mosaic because the pieces are not cut geometrically, but they are shaped according to the design. It is a complex technique that requires a lot of time and accuracy.
What are your favourite stones to work with?: As I love green and yellow shades, in my creations I often use Connemara marble, jadeite and gabbro dell’Impruneta for green, broccatello marble from Siena and chalcedony from Volterra for yellow. But I also like lapis lazuli for marine landscapes.
Is there room for innovation in such a traditional field as yours?: Yes, there is. I do try to innovate by representing new and original subjects, by experimenting with stones that were not used in the past – some have a beautiful iridescent effect that I really enjoy – and by cutting them more smoothly and fluidly.
Can mosaic artworks be contemporary?: Sure. Much depends on how you combine them. Some of my creations are quite traditional: set in golden frames, they go well with classic decor. On the other hand, I make landscapes that, left without a frame, are just perfect for contemporary homes.

Lituana Di Sabatino is an expert artisan she began her career in 2007