freskët

Freskët is the Albanian term for frescoes, a form of mural painting created on freshly laid plaster. The technique relies on pigments suspended in water that chemically bond with the lime plaster as it dries, producing durable color on walls and ceilings.

There are two principal methods: buon fresco, where pigments are applied to wet plaster, and fresco secco, where pigments are applied to dry plaster with a binder after the plaster has set. Buon fresco generally yields the most durable results, while fresco secco allows for details added later but is prone to flaking.

Historically, fresco painting originated in the ancient Mediterranean world and flourished in Roman and Byzantine art; its greatest achievements came during the Italian Renaissance, with artists such as Giotto, Michelangelo, and Raphael creating iconic works in churches and public buildings.

Frescoes require careful preservation; issues include moisture, salt efflorescence, and structural movement. Conservation involves environmental control, consolidation of plaster, and careful cleaning.

Notable examples include Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and Giotto's Arena Chapel in Padua. Fresco techniques continue to be practiced by contemporary artists and restorers, reflecting both historical heritage and modern experimentation.