Preparation of Gunpowder
by BUTI, Lodovico, Fresco with tempera and gold
Adorned by grotesques borrowed or inspired from those of ancient Rome, Buti’s frescoes in the Uffizi rooms once dedicated to arms and armour illustrate various aspects of military arts. Various artisans use different kinds of machinery to pound the ingredients for the explosive mixture to the desired fineness. In the last stage, the powder is sifted. It is a peaceable scene for such a deadly pursuit, but constant warfare provided steady work - as did the nobility’s increasingly extravagant fireworks displays.