By: Anna Long, Melina Hayward, Carlee Hontz
Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea
Italian intarsia, or inlaid mosaic of wood, was created in the Age of the Renaissance in Italy (c. 1400–1600), but its history has deeper roots. It was often used in panels over the backs of choir stalls and in private studies and chapels of princes. The woodworkers used materials such as olive, walnut, myrtle, rose wood, orange, poplar, quilted maple, chestnut, elm, mahogany, and ebony to take slivers and create the wooden art.
The history of intarsia is rich; it grew as an art form from ancient Egyptian mosaics. The ancient Egyptians used their skills in mosaic and began decorating their furniture with these patterns. They progressed through Byzantium and made their way to Italy where they were kept alive throughout medieval times. The Italians developed new techniques, moving from the mosaic technique to flower patterns, which marked the birth of Intarsia.
Next came several major developments, such as a fretsaw, which allowed the designs to be cut in jigsaw and overlaid with glue to cover the surface. The first water-powered sawmill came into play at around the same time which further modernized the practice. In the 18th century came the French horse, a new method allowing for simultaneous cutting of veneers; this created a surge in popularity of this craft. The Dutch adopted these skills as well, bringing a new standard of excellence in decorating their furniture.
In Sorrento specifically, there were several influential people within the practice of intarsia, including Luigi Gargiulo, Michele Grandville and Roberto Pane.
Luigi Gargiulo began his work as a cabinet maker and intarsiaworker in 1824. The first period of his work was characterized by his use of light colored woods such as orangewood; this reflected the extensive orange groves in the countryside around Sorrento. His work at this time (decorated tables and boxes) featured imagery from Pompeii, pagan divinities, and armed warriors. Later, he made use of stained woods in the composition of "scenes of popular life". Of all the local master craftsmen, the intarsia work of Luigi gained recognition in the Kingdom of Naples and internationally. His tables are to be found in the Royal Palaces of Naples and Caserta. His sons carried on his activities as well.
Here is a photo of one of the tables by Gargiulo:
Michele Grandville and Roberto Pane were both guiding figures in keeping wood Intarsia alive. Grandville's laboratory was attended by a number of local youths who were lookeing for training on the craft of intarsia and intaglio first hand from senior practicioners. His work differed from that of others both in the decorative subject matter and the original items of furniture he turned out. Pane guided a course in cabinet-making at the School of Art and much of his underlying design focused on the landscape. All three of these men were visionaries in the field of Intarsia specifically in Sorrento, and they paved the way for the current artform.
Here is a photo of some of the tools they used and made, along with some beautiful pieces of Intarsia.
We visited the Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea which was really incredible! We walked around the museum and admired the art work as it was something we had never seen before! As we were looking at all of the woodwork, we were shocked by how intricate the detailing was and kept pondering how someone was capable of such delicate and beautiful work. It was a short walk from Sant’Anna Institute and is totally something worth visiting while in Sorrento.
An incredibly detailed table at Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea.
We enjoyed our time learning about this incredibly detailed craft and we recommend you take a trip to this museum or visit "Stinga", a family business dedicated to this art!
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