Lapis lazuli, with its deep, captivating blue, has always been a symbol of nobility and spirituality. This precious stone has captivated the imagination of artists and artisans through the centuries, thanks to its extraordinary beauty and unique value. Discover how this remarkable material has influenced and enriched artistic and cultural traditions over time.
What is Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis lazuli is a precious stone of profound blue, often featuring sparkling silver pyrite veins. Its surface can range from granular to smooth, and its color can vary from light blue to dark blue, depending on quality and composition. Known for its vibrant hue and sheen, lapis lazuli has been highly valued for centuries in creating fine jewelry and art.
A Brief History of Lapis Lazuli in Venice
During the Middle Ages, Venice became a major trading center for lapis lazuli, a mineral sourced from distant mines. Thanks to its strategic location and commercial connections, Venice played a crucial role in the spread of lapis lazuli throughout Europe. The city became renowned for producing ultramarine pigment from lapis lazuli. This intense blue pigment, famous for its quality and beauty, was used in sacred art, helping to strenghten Venice's economic and cultural influence.
Lithograph of artisans working lapis lazuli in a wooden mortar
The Quest for Perfect Blue
LThe processing of lapis lazuli was a refined and complex art, aimed at creating ultramarine, one of history's most prized blue pigments. The raw stone was crushed in a stone mortar and then ground into a fine powder. This powder was mixed with water and binding agents to form a paste, which was then washed to remove impurities and isolate the pure ultramarine pigment.
Ultramarine derived from lapis lazuli was known for its intense and brilliant blue, a color crucial in sacred art of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Used to illuminate manuscripts, paint frescoes, and decorate altars, ultramarine not only enhanced the visual appeal of artworks but also represented prestige and wealth. The difficulty and high cost of its production made it a rare and precious commodity, further elevating the artistic and spiritual value of the works in which it was used.
This meticulous artisanal process, which transformed raw lapis lazuli into an extraordinary pigment, ensured exceptional quality and durability, making ultramarine one of the most sought-after and admired pigments in art history.
Nereide Lapislazzuli: The Legacy of Blue
Nereide Lapislazzuli pays tribute to the rich heritage of this fascinating material. Its lapis lazuli dial captures the deep and vibrant blue of the stone, revealing shades and reflections that evoke the timeless elegance and craftsmanship of Venice. Every detail of this watch is designed to highlight the beauty and history of a mineral that has enchanted centuries of artists and artisans.
The robust 316L stainless steel case of Nereide Lapislazzuli is enhanced by a tungsten bezel, known for its exceptional durability and shine. The Swiss Made Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement ensures precision and reliability, blending elegance with functionality.
This Nereide is not just a watch but a tribute to the tradition and beauty of lapis lazuli, a legendary mineral that has traversed centuries. Every glance at the dial is a journey into the excellence of Venetian art, celebrating the craftsmanship of a bygone era that remains alive today.
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