Fresco painting is a painting technique that involves the application of colored pigments on a layer of fresh or wet mortar. It is one of the oldest wall painting techniques and has been used throughout history in various cultures and periods. Fresco painting is characterized by its durability, weather resistance and the ability to create vibrant and long-lasting colors.
The fresco painting process generally involves the following steps:
1. Surface preparation: The wall or surface on which the paint is to be applied is prepared with a layer of fresh mortar, composed of lime, sand and water. This coat is applied in small sections, known as “arriccio,” and allowed to partially dry before applying the top coat.
2. Outlining the design: Before the mortar dries completely, the artist draws or outlines the paint design on the surface using charcoal or a wet brush. This marks the main outlines and details of the composition.
3. Application of pigments: Once the mortar is dry enough to withstand the application of paint, the colored pigments are applied to the surface with brushes or spatulas. The pigments are applied in thin layers and mixed with water to create vivid, saturated colors.
4. Fusion of colors: The pigments fuse with the fresh mortar as they are applied, allowing the colors to adhere firmly to the surface and blend with each other naturally. This creates a durable, weather-resistant finish that can last for centuries without fading or deteriorating.
5. Finishing and Protection: Once the painting has been completed and has completely dried, a coat of sealant or varnish can be applied to protect the surface and enhance the colors. This helps preserve the paint in fresco and provides an additional layer of protection against moisture and damage.
Some great exponents of fresco painting include:
1. Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564): Michelangelo was one of the most important Renaissance masters and used the fresco technique in many of his masterpieces, including the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.
2. Giotto di Bondone (c. 1266-1337): Giotto was a prominent Italian painter of the proto-Renaissance period and is known for his frescoes in the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi and the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua.
3. Raphael Sanzio (1483-1520): Raphael was another important Italian Renaissance painter who worked in the fresco technique. His works, such as “The School of Athens” in the Vatican, are outstanding examples of his skill in this technique.
4. Diego Rivera (1886-1957): The famous Mexican muralist Diego Rivera also used fresco painting in many of his monumental works, including the murals of the National Palace in Mexico City and the National Institute of Fine Arts.
5. Piero della Francesca (c. 1415-1492): Piero della Francesca was a prominent Italian Renaissance painter known for his frescoes in the Basilica of Saint Francis in Arezzo and the Church of Saint Francis in Monterchi.
These are just a few examples of the many artists who have used fresco painting to create monumental and significant works in the history of art. Each of them has left a lasting legacy in this revered painting technique.