The Beginning

 

Once upon a time in a faraway place began the chain of events that would determine Marina's destiny today.........

 

Vanquished by the Turkish Empire in a legendary battle in 1669 a.d., 800 survivors, the Manioti, a populace from near Sparta in Greece, fled their native land.  Led by the Comneno-Stephanopoli and Medici-Jatriano noble families, they miraculously escaped death and were granted asylum by the Republic of Genoa and accorded the right to settle in Tuscany, Genoa and Corsica.

 

In 1731 when Corsica revolted against the Republic of Genoa, the Greeks living in Genoa refused to betray their benefactors.  As punishment, the Corsican revolutionaries burned the Greek village.  Once again, the families found themselves on the run. Some found refuge in Corsica; some fled to Spain, and a small group , Marina's ancestors, settled in Sardinia near Villa San Cristoforo di Montresta.

 

Prince Elia Comneno, and his wife, Elena Stephanopoli, had one child, Maria Domenica, who would eventually marry a local Sardinian noble and found the Greek-Sardinian branch of this proud and ancient dynasty.  The family was very involved in the arts.  Princess Maria Domenica was known for her beauty and became a talented artist who created spectacular embroidered mosaics (a word derived from Arabic meaning "ornate") using precious threads and materials.

 

Embroidery was an ancient oriental art form, and remains so today, particularly when the designs are one of a kind and executed completely by hand.  The influence of Byzantine art and style reached far beyond the Empire and is still present today, frequently seen in international fashion  and design.

 

The Princess' artistic spirit re-emerges in her great great great granddaughter, Marina Mincuzzi, who shares her love and innate talent for embroidering mosaics with pearls, glass beads, crystals and precious stones.

 

Marina Mincuzzi, born in Italy, is an independent artist and designer whose inspirations are her Byzantine heritage and the beauty found in the sea and nature and these are reflected in her art.  The theme of the sea is one dear to the Greeks and it is not by chance that she is named Marina.  She explains that when she creates, it pleases her to remember the sea and its many manifestations and colors.  "My name is Marina, in remembrance of the sea."

 

Marina is an eclectic spirit with a fearless passion for experimentation with multimedia.  After studying art and painting, she further fed her thirst for creativity by exploring other artistic forms such as cinema, photography and advertising techniques.  Marina incorporates all of these experiences into the creation of her jewelry and precious mosaic handwork.  She has a keen eye for the selection and matching of materials and textiles. No two of her creations are alike. Each is a rare and breathtakingly beautiful piece to be worn, exhibited and admired; a precious decoration for the home or body; a dramatic adornment for the enigmatic and mysterious woman; an exclusive style for the modern Princess.

 

Ancient Byzantine mosaics and their motifs and patterns fascinate Marina and she channels this fascination into her art.  She revisits this style and her collections are characterized by sophisticated, finely worked and richly decorated creations. Her jewelry, clothing and intricate bands of mosaics are painstakingly hand worked and feature pearls, antique glass beads and precious and semi-precious stones. As was the fashion in the Byzantine Empire, Marina applies these delicate mosaics as decorative borders on clothing, accessories and home furnishings.  The possibilities are endless. Own a piece of history with a modern twist. Marina renews this ancient art form and imbues it with her very own special magic to provide each of her clients with a unique and rare treasure.  Own a piece of the Byzantine dream. 

 

The label on her designs is that of the original Comneno family seal which was found in family documents dating from the era of Prince Elia Comneno.  It features a two headed eagle wearing an ancient imperial crown.

 

Marina's designs have been registered with the SIAE in Rome under Marina Mincuzzi Art Texture Mosaic.  Her work is sought by art and jewelry collectors and discriminating clients who look for one of a kind hand made designs decorated in beautifully luminous detail.

 

Marina is vegan and loves and respects nature and animals. She has long been a fervent supporter of Vegan High Fashion, which utilizes absolutely no animal components in its creation and production. She considers art to be a harmonious vehicle to communicate the importance of respect for our environment and for all living creatures.  The vegan lifestyle is a choice that enhances her inspiration and creativity.