The Reuse of Red Imperial Porphyry in the West from the End of the Ancient World
Francesca Licordari
The red imperial porphyry is a rare, appreciated and expensive marble of the antiquity. ideology power symbolically expressed by purple color. Therfore, Porphyry, for obvious chromatic similarity, closely linked with concept royalty. This combination was transmitted not only to Byzantium, which direct continuation Empire. It also used in more recent times, whenever there need emphasize sacredness (in Church, time Carolingian Empire, Ottonian dynasty, Norman kings Sicily, Swabian emperors or Ottoman Empire). Throughout Middle Ages difficulty working porphyry, very hard marble, meant that almost all reused pieces were fragmentary: this case basins, as sepulchres inserted altars, columns churches, elaboration floor decorations (rotae porphyreticae, Cosmatesque floors) so on. Only Renaissance techniques rediscovered. In Florence, material popular among artists court Medici. Soon after, use spread French court, it found great success families European nobility. last attempt revive ancient made between middle 19th century 20th century, but failed due impossibility finding blocks good quality sufficient size. addition, new porphyries now available at competitive prices therefore no extensive material, thus acquired prestige.
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