Freski

Freski is the Polish term for frescoes, the mural paintings created on freshly laid lime plaster. The basic principle is that pigments mixed with water are applied to wet plaster, so the color becomes bound to the wall as the plaster dries. This technique has ancient roots and influenced many traditions of large-scale wall painting in religious and secular buildings.

Two main varieties are commonly distinguished: buon fresco, where pigments are applied to freshly laid wet plaster and become chemically integrated as it dries; and fresco secco, where pigments are painted on dry plaster after set. Buon fresco is generally more durable and colorfast, but requires rapid execution and careful planning, while fresco secco offers greater flexibility for details but can be more susceptible to flaking over time.

Historically, freski were widely used in the Roman world and reached a peak in the Italian Renaissance, with numerous churches, palaces, and civic buildings decorated in this way. The ceiling and wall programs of the Sistine Chapel are among the most famous examples of buon fresco. Outside Italy, fresco painting has appeared in many cultures and periods, including medieval Europe and Latin America, where it served both devotional and decorative purposes.

Conservation and study of freski emphasize plaster stability, moisture management, and pigment integrity. Restorations seek to preserve original materials and methods where possible, while preventing deterioration and ensuring the work remains legible for future generations.