Fresco

Definition

Fresco is a technique of mural painting where water-based pigments are applied onto freshly laid wet plaster. As the plaster dries, the pigments bond with it, creating a durable and vibrant artwork. This method has been widely used since ancient times, allowing for large-scale works of art that often depict historical or religious themes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fresco has roots in ancient civilizations, notably seen in Egyptian tombs and Roman villas, showcasing its long-standing importance in art history.
2. The technique gained prominence during the Renaissance, with artists like Michelangelo and Raphael creating iconic frescoes that still draw admiration today.
3. One key advantage of fresco is its ability to create luminous colors due to the interaction between pigments and wet plaster, making artworks appear vibrant over time.
4. Frescoes are typically created on walls or ceilings, and their large-scale nature makes them suitable for grand architectural spaces like churches and public buildings.
5. Maintaining frescoes can be challenging due to their exposure to environmental elements, leading to issues like fading or cracking that require restoration efforts.

Review Questions

• How does the buon fresco technique differ from fresco secco in terms of application and durability?
  • Buon fresco involves applying water-based pigments onto wet plaster, allowing the paint to bond with the wall as it dries, resulting in a long-lasting and durable image. In contrast, fresco secco entails painting on dry plaster, which is less durable since it does not chemically bond with the surface. Consequently, buon fresco is preferred for significant works because it withstands time better than fresco secco, which may flake or fade over years.
• Discuss the significance of fresco painting during the Renaissance and its impact on the art world.
  • Fresco painting reached its zenith during the Renaissance, marking a revival of classical themes and techniques. Artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael created masterpieces that transformed church interiors and public spaces, emphasizing storytelling through imagery. This period not only showcased the technical skill required for fresco but also set new standards for artistic expression that influenced generations of artists who followed.
• Evaluate the challenges faced by artists when creating frescoes and how these challenges influence contemporary practices in mural art.
  • Artists creating frescoes face several challenges, such as working quickly with wet plaster before it dries, ensuring precise execution under time constraints known as giornata. Environmental factors can also impact preservation, leading to deterioration over time. These challenges have led contemporary muralists to adapt by exploring modern materials and techniques while still embracing some traditional methods of mural creation, allowing for greater flexibility and longevity in their artworks.

Related terms

Buon Fresco: A method of fresco painting where pigments mixed with water are applied directly onto wet plaster, allowing for a long-lasting finish as the plaster cures.

Fresco Secco: A technique of fresco where pigments are applied to dry plaster, which requires a different approach as it is less durable compared to buon fresco.

Giornata: The term used in fresco painting to refer to the amount of work an artist can complete in one day on a specific section of wet plaster.