The museum of the Opificio in the mid twentieth century: the revival of an ancient tradition

In the 1950s, Florence was a city, as many others in Italy, in evolution, focused on a renaissance of many aspects of city life, including art. In those years, several experiences in the revival of the Florentine mosaic technique took place at the Opificio, with the aim of renovating the ancient tradition of the workshop. In 1952 the Opificio museum reopened with a new layout by Lando Bartoli, director of the Opificio, and the art historian Edward Andrew Maser. With the new layout of the rooms, the curators wanted to document not only the Opificio’s past flourishing activity, but also the conservation of the technical skills of the ancient workshop, by displaying also contemporary artworks. In order to relaunch the technique of the Florentine mosaic commesso, in November 1953 Lando Bartoli announced a competition for panels made with hard and soft stones, and sketches to be realized in the commesso technique. These showcases display some of the artworks realized by the Opificio workshop after the contest, including the panel made to a sketch by Alvaro Monnini, that won the first prize.