'Pietre dure' are mosaic designs made from semi-precious stones. This book aims to capture the beauty and craftsmanship of this ancient technique of 'painting in stone'. Looking at decorative stonework techniques since prehistory, it focuses on the period from its rebirth in 16th-century Rome to the developments of the 19th century.

‘Pietre dure’ are mosaic designs made from semi-precious stones. This richly illustrated, large format book brilliantly captures the beauty and craftsmanship of this ancient technique of ‘painting in stone’, looking at decorative stonework techniques from prehistory to the present day, but focusing in particular on the period from its rebirth in 16th-century Rome to the developments of the 19th century.