fresken

Fresco, also known as buon fresco, is a wall-painting technique. It involves applying pigment mixed with water onto a thin layer of wet, fresh lime plaster. As the plaster dries, the pigment becomes an integral part of the wall, creating a durable and long-lasting artwork. This technique differs from *fresco secco*, where paint is applied to dry plaster, resulting in a less permanent finish.

The origins of fresco painting can be traced back to ancient times, with notable examples found in Minoan Crete and Roman Pompeii. The technique reached its zenith during the Italian Renaissance, where artists like Giotto, Masaccio, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael utilized it to adorn churches, palaces, and public buildings. Famous examples include Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling and Raphael's Stanze di Raffaello in the Vatican.

The process of creating a true fresco is demanding and requires careful planning. The artist must work quickly before the plaster dries, often in sections called *giornate* (Italian for "a day's work"). Mistakes are difficult to correct once the plaster has set. Despite these challenges, the luminosity and permanence of buon fresco have made it a celebrated medium in art history. Today, fresco painting continues to be practiced by contemporary artists, preserving this ancient and beautiful art form.