frescopainted

Fresco painting is a technique of mural painting executed upon freshly laid ("wet") lime plaster. Water is used as the vehicle for the pigment to merge with the plaster, and with the setting of the plaster, the painting becomes an integral part of the wall. The term fresco is Italian, derived from the Latin "frescus," meaning fresh. This method of painting is durable because the pigment becomes part of the wall itself, making it resistant to damage and fading over time.

There are several variations of fresco painting. True fresco, also known as buon fresco, is the most authentic and durable form, where pigments are applied to wet plaster. Fresco secco is a technique where pigments are applied to dry plaster, which results in a less durable painting as the pigment sits on the surface rather than integrating with it. Another variation is mezzo fresco, which is painted on semi-dry plaster, offering a compromise between the durability of buon fresco and the ease of execution of fresco secco.

The technique requires skill and speed, as the artist must complete their work before the plaster dries. This often necessitates careful planning and preparation, with artists sometimes dividing large works into sections that can be completed in a single day's work. The practice of fresco painting has a long history, with examples found in ancient civilizations such as the Minoans, Egyptians, and Romans. It reached its zenith during the Renaissance in Italy, with masterpieces by artists like Michelangelo and Raphael. Despite its challenges, fresco painting remains a significant art form, valued for its permanence and the unique luminosity it can achieve.