Fresco Art Technique

Introduction

• Fresco: A mural painting technique on freshly laid wet lime plaster.
• Originates from Italian word fresco meaning "fresh".
• Distinct from fresco-secco (painting on dry plaster). Closely associated with Italian Renaissance painting.

Understanding Fresco

• Uses water as a vehicle for pigment to merge with plaster.
• Misconception: Often used to refer generally to wall paintings regardless of technique.

Fresco Technique

Buon Fresco

• Pigment mixed with water applied on intonaco (fresh plaster).
• No binder needed as plaster serves as medium.
• Chemical process:
  • Calcination of limestone: CaCO3 → CaO + CO2
  • Slaking of quicklime: CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2
  • Setting of lime plaster: Ca(OH)2 + CO2 → CaCO3 + H2O
• Involves applying a rough underlayer (arriccio), sketching with sinopia, and transferring designs using a pouncing technique.
• Deadline driven: Requires completion before plaster dries.

A Seco and Mezzo Fresco

• A secco: Done on dry plaster with a binder like egg or oil to attach pigments.
• Mezzo-fresco: Painted on nearly dry intonaco, allowing minimal pigment penetration. Became popular in the sixteenth century.

Historical Context

Ancient Techniques

• Earliest examples from Egypt (Tomb 100) and Mesopotamia (Syria).
• Minoan frescoes in Crete and Santorini.
• Greek and Etruscan frescoes depict ancient life and mythology.

Classical and Medieval

• Roman frescoes in Pompeii and Herculaneum.
• Byzantine icons and early Christian art from Cyprus, Crete, Cappadocia, and Antioch.
• Medieval frescoes in European churches for liturgical decoration.

Renaissance and Baroque

• Flourished in Renaissance Italy (Michelangelo, Raphael).
• Baroque era saw large-scale frescoes in European palaces and cathedrals.

Modern Era

• 20th-century revival by Mexican Muralists (Rivera, Orozco, Kahlo).
• Influenced by pre-Columbian art, focusing on social and political themes.

Conservation Challenges

• Frescoes are susceptible to environmental damage, especially in humid climates like Venice.
• Techniques for restoration include protective bandaging and chemical treatments to stabilize colors and plaster.

Notable Examples

• Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling: Iconic Renaissance fresco.
• Pompeiian Frescoes: Capture daily life in ancient Rome.
• Sigiriya Frescoes, Sri Lanka: Unique for "fresco lustro" technique.
• Ajanta Caves, India: Ancient narratives of Buddha's life.

Conclusion

• Frescoes are a historically rich medium, providing insights into cultural and artistic developments across centuries.
• They've evolved with periods but continue to captivate through their durability and artistic significance.