Lily of Florence in Impruneta Terracotta H 20cm

Lily of Florence in Terracotta. Hanging decorative panel handmade in Italy from Impruneta clay.

”Vid’io Fiorenza in sì fatto riposo, che non avea cagione onde piangesse; con queste genti vid’io glorioso e giusto il popol suo tanto, che il giglio non era ad asta mai posto a ritroso né per division fatto vermiglio”

Dante Alighieri

The eternal perfection of marble.

SUBJECT

The origin of the LILY as a symbol of the glorious city of Florence is made to coincide with the founding of the city during the Roman Empire in 59 BCE. To be precise, the flower used is a Stylized IRIS. It is thought that during the period of celebrations for the Roman goddess Flora, flowers, particularly iris, in which the area was particularly rich, were taken as the symbol of Florence.

The GIGLIO first appeared in the 11th century as the city’s official coat of arms, and it was white on a red background. After the bloody battle between Guelphs and Ghibellines, they changed colors as a sign of their power, thus creating the famous symbol of the red lily on a white background, as celebrated by Dante in his verses.

Symbol of purity, according to mythology, the Lily originated from a drop of milk that fell from Juno’s breast when she was nursing Hercules.

THE MATERIAL.

Terracotta it is made up of a clay mixture which is cooked at a temperature of 980-990° C. The typical reddish color is due to the conspicuous presence of ferrous substances. Resistant to frost, heat, temperature changes and saltiness, it becomes time almost a unique element with the surrounding natural environment. In fact, it is not uncommon for lichens and mosses to settle on the surface, creating different textures and patterns, which will make each object a unique and unrepeatable piece.

These characteristics make terracotta ideal for outdoor decoration and furnishing. However, its unmistakable touch also finds wide use in refined interiors with a rustic, retro flavor. In more recent times, moreover, aided by the rediscovery of all natural materials, there has been a revival of terracotta in the artistic field as well, in decorative objects and accessories that combine refinement and durability, modern design and ancient material.

A bit of history

The working of terracotta in Tuscany, particularly in the Impruneta area, originates with the Etruscan civilization. Its architectural use peaked in the Middle Ages and the Gothic period. Because of the bold and warm color, it had the function of emphasizing architectural lines in contrast to the natural tones of marble and stone.

In the Renaissance the activity of the furnaces flourished when the Medici and other noble families used to adorn the parks of their villas with vases and statues. Although in the great architecture of the time the infamous Carrara marble was favored for great works, terracotta retains its place of honor and the many palaces of the time are proof of this, one above all Brunelleschi’s Dome of the Florence Cathedral.