Leo Martínez
The painting technique used on fresh plaster is called fresco. Fresco is derived from the Italian word affresco, which means fresh. It is a method of painting that involves applying water-based pigments to freshly applied plaster, typically on wall surfaces. The colours, made by grinding dry-powder pigments in pure water, dry and set with the plaster, becoming a permanent part of the wall. This technique was widely used during the Renaissance, particularly in Italy, and allowed artists to create vibrant and detailed murals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Fresco |
| Other names | Wall painting, buon fresco ("true fresco"), fresco secco ("dry fresco"), mezzo fresco ("medium fresco") |
| Definition | A technique of mural painting executed upon freshly laid ("wet") lime plaster |
| Pigment | Water is used as the vehicle for the dry-powder pigment to merge with the plaster |
| Setting | As the plaster sets, the painting becomes an integral part of the wall |
| Durability | A properly executed fresco can last for centuries, though it can be vulnerable to damage from moisture and air pollutants |
| Historical context | This technique was used extensively during the Renaissance, particularly in Italy, and by artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael |
| Planning and execution | Requires careful planning and execution, as artists often can only work on small sections at a time |
| Technique | The paint is absorbed by the wet plaster and, after a number of hours, the plaster dries in reaction to air |
| Chemical process | Exposure to air converts the lime to carbonate of lime, fixing the pigment |
| Types | Buon fresco, fresco secco, mezzo fresco |
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Fresco painting
The process involves applying water-based pigments to wet plaster, with the paint becoming embedded in the plaster as it dries, resulting in a durable and long-lasting artwork. This technique is highly regarded for its beauty and longevity and was widely used during the Renaissance to create vibrant and detailed murals, particularly in Italy.
There are two main types of fresco: buon fresco (or "true fresco") and fresco secco. Buon fresco involves applying pigments to wet plaster and is considered the most traditional and typical technique. The ground pigments are mixed with water and painted directly onto the plaster without the use of a binder. As the plaster cures, the pigment is absorbed, resulting in a strong bond between the plaster and pigment.
Fresco secco, on the other hand, is a process where paint is applied to dry plaster. This technique does require a binder, such as egg, glue, or oil, to attach the pigment to the wall. Fresco secco was often used on top of buon fresco to touch up or add details, as it is useful for detailed painting and retouching.
Creating a buon fresco is a meticulous process. First, a rough underlayer called the arriccio is added to the entire area to be painted and allowed to dry for several days. Artists often sketch their compositions on this layer using a red pigment called sinopia. Then, a thin, smooth final coat of plaster (intonaco) is applied to as much of the wall as can be painted in one session, typically corresponding to a day's work. The artist then has approximately seven to nine hours of working time before the plaster dries. This deadline poses a challenge, as any mistakes made may require removing the entire intonaco for that area.
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Buon fresco
Fresco is a type of wall painting created on fresh plaster. There are two main types of fresco: buon fresco, or "true fresco", and fresco secco, where paint is applied to dry plaster.
The buon fresco technique is distinguished from the fresco secco technique, in which paint is applied to dried plaster. In the latter method, the pigments require a binding medium such as egg, glue, or oil to attach to the wall. Buon fresco does not require a binder due to the chemical makeup of the plaster. However, some artists used lime as a binding medium to slow the drying process and extend their working time.
The technique of buon fresco was employed by several Renaissance artists, including Michelangelo, Raphael, Masaccio, and Giotto. These artists often used buon fresco as backgrounds or under-paintings before applying seccos on dry plaster.
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Fresco secco
The secco technique is less durable than buon fresco and the paintings will eventually flake off beyond repair. However, it is still in use today, particularly in interior design, faux marble, and the recreation of historic interiors.
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Durability of fresco
Fresco is a type of wall painting created on fresh plaster. The paint is applied directly to wet plaster so that the pigments become embedded in the plaster as it dries, resulting in a durable and long-lasting artwork. The technique has been employed since antiquity and is closely associated with Italian Renaissance painting.
The durability of a fresco depends on several factors, including the wall itself and the plaster used. The wall should be stable, with minimal movement, and capable of translating and not trapping moisture. It should also be free from salts or other damaging agents that can leach through the surface and damage the plaster and the painting. The plaster used for a durable fresco is typically a mix of lime plaster, with marble dust and sand sometimes added.
The two main types of fresco are buon fresco (or "true fresco") and fresco secco. Buon fresco is considered the most durable technique, as the pigment is applied directly to the wet plaster and becomes an integral part of the wall. The pigment particles become bound or cemented along with the lime and sand particles, ensuring the durability of the fresco. However, buon fresco is difficult to create due to the deadline associated with the drying plaster, typically giving the artist only seven to nine hours of working time.
Fresco secco, or "dry fresco", is a process where paint is applied to dry plaster. The colours form a surface film on the plaster, similar to regular paint, and are less durable than buon fresco. Tempera touch-ups on frescoes were common, especially for the colour blue, as historically few blue pigments were adaptable to fresco. However, these touch-ups are subject to flaking and removal by light abrasion.
Overall, the fresco technique is highly regarded for its beauty and longevity, with properly executed frescoes lasting for centuries. The technique requires careful planning and execution, and the durability of the final artwork is dependent on various factors, including the wall, the plaster, and the specific technique used.
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History of fresco
The history of fresco, a painting technique that involves applying pigment onto a thin layer of plaster, dates back millennia. The word "fresco" is derived from the Italian word "affresco," meaning "fresh". This technique is celebrated as one of the most significant mural-making methods in art history and has been employed by ancient and contemporary artists worldwide.
Some of the earliest examples of fresco paintings have been traced back to 2000 BC, created by the Minoans in Crete, Israel, and Egypt to adorn palace walls and tombs. During the Bronze Age, around 1600 BC, fresco painting was also practised in Greece, though few of these works have survived. Ancient Etruscans and Romans embraced this art form as well, often adorning the walls of tombs and the homes of the wealthy with depictions of lavish scenes and false architectural elements.
Fresco painting continued to flourish in subsequent centuries, with notable examples found in various regions. Roman (Christian) frescoes from the 1st to 2nd centuries AD were discovered in catacombs beneath Rome, while Byzantine icons were uncovered in Cyprus, Crete, Ephesus, Cappadocia, and Antioch. During the 5th century BC, the Thracians created richly decorated frescoes in the Tomb of Kazanlak, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tradition of fresco painting extended to India, with ancient and early medieval works preserved in over 20 locations. The frescoes in the Ajanta Caves, dated between 200 BC and 600 AD, are the oldest known examples in India, narrating tales of the Buddha's life. In China, fresco painting emerged during the Han Dynasty around 100 BC.
Fresco painting experienced a revival during the Renaissance, particularly in Italy, where it adorned the walls of cathedrals and celebrated political figures, rulers, and decorative themes. Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel frescoes are a renowned example of this period. However, the decline of fresco painting in Italy began in the 16th century with the introduction of oil painting on canvas and the diversification of art patrons beyond the church.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, fresco techniques underwent another revival in Britain, particularly among Pre-Raphaelite painters and those associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement. The Mexican Mural Movement in the 1920s, spearheaded by Diego Rivera, also played a pivotal role in bringing fresco painting into the modern era. Today, while fresco painting may be less mainstream, it continues to inspire artists who draw on its rich history while incorporating contemporary ideas.
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Frequently asked questions
A fresco is a type of painting created on fresh plaster.
"Fresco" is derived from the Italian word "affresco", which comes from the Italian adjective "fresco", meaning "fresh".
There are three traditional fresco methods: buon fresco, fresco secco, and mezzo fresco.
Buon fresco or "true fresco" is the most typical and traditional technique. The ground pigments are added to water and painted directly onto wet lime or gypsum plaster without the use of a binder.
