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Jeweler Martin Katz Creates Dazzling, Otherworldly Sculpture in Italy

The unique art project comprises a bronze sculpture created by Italian artist Andrea Roggi with a jeweled sphere by Katz

By Lucy Rees
Intricate sculpture of a tree inside a sphere in an ornate hall with detailed murals and decorative ceiling.
The Energy of Life sculpture in Florence. Photo: Courtesy of Martin Katz

Beverly Hills jeweler to the stars Martin Katz recently teamed up with Italian artist and sculptor Andrea Roggi to unveil a dazzling new sculpture, titled Energy of Life, in Florence. The installation was on view to the public from November 3 to 6, inside the Salone dei Cinquecento in Palazzo Vecchio, in the historic heart of the city. The piece was comprised a bronze sculpture created by Roggi with a jeweled sphere made by Katz. The concept of the unique and thought-provoking work was a representation of energy.

The two creative minds—from California and Tuscany, respectively—had a shared philosophy and vision to create this new piece. A depiction of Mother Earth, the sphere captures the essence of the energy source for the tree of life sculpture. Crafted in 18K white gold, the jeweled globe was handcrafted with more than 2,000 gemstones and over 8,000 setting prongs holding shades of blue sapphires, paraiba tourmalines, Tsavorite garnets, and white diamonds.

Sculpture of a tree growing from a hollow, textured sphere in an ornate building interior.
The Energy of Life sculpture on view at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. Photo: Courtesy of Martin Katz
Sculpture of a tree inside a sphere in an ornate hall with paintings and intricate ceiling in the background.
The Energy of Life sculpture. Photo: Courtesy of Martin Katz

“I was deeply grateful to be able to share my enthusiasm for the realization of this great artwork alongside Martin Katz at Palazzo Vecchio,” said Andrea Roggi in Florence. “The encounter with Martin’s art has cast a penetrating light into the very essence of the Energy of Life, transforming this idea into a complete work of art capable of capturing every facet of the human soul, its complexity and the sense of responsibility towards our Earth.”

Grand hall with ornate ceiling, large murals, audience seated for an event, and a decorative piece in the center foreground.
The Energy of Life sculpture. Photo: Martin Katz
Close-up of a textured, abstract sphere hanging among blue and beige organic forms, evoking a surreal, underwater scene.
A detail of the work. Photo: Martin Katz

It was on view in Florence for the first time during the 2023 Festival dell’Italia Gentile. “The work has a strong symbolic meaning in its very idea of interconnection, which is also the theme of the festival, roots,” says Felicia Cigorescu, the director of the event. “For me, art has to be in the service of a new humanity that restores value to beauty in a sustainable vision of the world. This is also my mission for this incredible project. Art has a strong impact on our society. My vision of Energy of Life is focused on “What is the soul? The soul is consciousness and it shines like the light inside the heart.”

Next, the artful piece will travel to Venice and open in a special exhibition from December 21- through January 8 at the  Scuola Grande di San Rocco.