Fresco

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Creación de Adán (Miguel Ángel)

Etruskischer Meister 002

Giovane-seduto

Giotto di Bondone - No. 18 Scenes from the Life of Christ - 2. Adoration of the Magi - WGA09195

Tomb 100 Hierakompolis, Naqada II culture (c. 3500-3200 BCE)

Fresco is a technique of mural painting executed upon freshly laid, or wet lime plaster. Water is used as the vehicle for the dry-powder pigment to merge with the plaster, and with the setting of the plaster, the painting becomes an integral part of the wall. The word "fresco" (Italian: affresco) is derived from the Italian adjective fresco meaning "fresh", and may thus be contrasted with secco mural painting techniques, which are applied to dry plaster.

History

The fresco technique has been employed since antiquity and is closely associated with Italian Renaissance painting. Frescoes were often used during the Renaissance for decoration of churches and villas. The most renowned frescoes are perhaps those by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.

Technique

Fresco painting is done in two main parts: the first coat of plaster, called the "arriccio", is applied to a brick or stone wall. Then, the "intonaco", a thinner, final coat, is added. The artist then has a limited time frame in which to complete the painting before the plaster dries and sets.

The pigments used in fresco painting are ground in water and applied to the wet plaster. As the plaster sets, it reacts with the air in a process called carbonation, which causes the painting to become an integral part of the wall.

Styles and Variations

Fresco painting can be categorized into two main styles: buon fresco and fresco secco. Buon fresco technique consists of painting in pigment mixed with water on a thin layer of wet, fresh, lime mortar or plaster. Fresco secco (painting on dry plaster) involves the application of the pigment mixed with a binding medium, like egg yolk, to the surface of a dry plaster.

Notable Frescoes

Some of the most famous frescoes include: - The Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo - The Last Judgment (Michelangelo) also in the Sistine Chapel - The Scrovegni Chapel, decorated by Giotto - The Brancacci Chapel frescoes by Masaccio

Preservation

The preservation of frescoes involves challenges due to their vulnerability to environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature fluctuations. Techniques for preservation include the use of consolidants to reattach flaking paint, cleaning to remove surface dirt and grime, and environmental controls to stabilize conditions around the frescoes.

In Modern Times

Today, fresco painting is practiced by artists who are interested in traditional methods of wall decoration. However, the technique is less common due to the time-consuming process and the skill required to execute it properly.