Topic Description: Pietre Dure

"PIETRE DURE" creations--rich objects in semi-precious "hard" stone--were among the most prized specialties of the Medici Granducal Workshops. All aspects of "pietre dure" production are indexed, including: the gathering of rare stones from around the world; the development of "pietre dure" techniques (including rock crystal, lapis lazuli, coral and porphyry); notable "pietre dure" projects for the Cappella dei Principi at San Lorenzo, the Tribuna of the Uffizi, the Granducal Chapel in Palazzo Pitti and elsewhere (see also "PLACES"); the distribution of "pietre dure" objects as state gifts.

Though most "pietre dure" objects were in mosaic, three-dimensional pieces were also realized in such materials. Objects in mixed media that include hard-stone elements are indexed as "PIETRE DURE". Unclear references that might refer either to "hard" or "soft" stone ("pietre tenere") are indexed as "PIETRE DURE".

Many references to "PIETRE DURE" are cross-indexed as "JEWELS AND JEWELRY", "RELICS (Sacred)" and "STATE GIFTS". Geological information is cross-indexed under "NATURAL SCIENCES".

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