Buon fresco

Definition

Buon fresco, or true fresco, is a technique of mural painting executed on freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the paint to bond with the wall as it dries. This method produces vibrant colors and a durable finish, as the pigments become an integral part of the wall surface. The technique requires skilled craftsmanship and careful planning since the artist must work quickly before the plaster sets.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Buon fresco has been used since ancient times, with notable examples found in Minoan palaces and Roman villas.
2. This technique allows colors to remain vibrant and resistant to fading over time, making buon fresco a preferred choice for large murals.
3. Once the plaster dries, any mistakes made while painting are nearly impossible to correct, which requires great skill and precision from the artist.
4. The rapid execution of buon fresco means that artists often planned their compositions meticulously beforehand to minimize errors during the application process.
5. Famous works like Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling showcase the brilliance of buon fresco, illustrating its ability to create dynamic and enduring visual narratives.

Review Questions

• What are the key differences between buon fresco and fresco secco techniques in mural painting?
  • Buon fresco involves painting on wet plaster, which allows the pigments to chemically bond with the wall as it dries, resulting in more vibrant colors and durability. In contrast, fresco secco is applied to dry plaster, which gives artists greater control over detail but results in less enduring color retention. This difference in application affects both the longevity of the artwork and the methodical approach needed by the artist.
• Discuss how the concept of giornata influences the workflow of artists using buon fresco.
  • The concept of giornata refers to the amount of work that can be completed in one day while applying buon fresco. Since this technique requires the artist to paint on wet plaster, they must plan their daily tasks carefully to ensure that they can finish sections within this time frame. This creates a unique workflow where artists balance speed with precision, often needing to pre-draw designs or use other strategies to maximize efficiency and minimize errors.
• Evaluate the impact of buon fresco on the artistic expression and cultural significance of ancient Greek wall paintings.
  • Buon fresco significantly influenced artistic expression in ancient Greek wall paintings by allowing for large-scale murals that displayed intricate scenes from mythology and daily life with a vibrancy that captured viewers' attention. The technique facilitated a narrative depth that connected viewers to cultural themes and societal values. As artists mastered this method, they were able to convey complex stories visually, enriching communal spaces such as temples and homes with art that reflected both aesthetic ideals and cultural identity.

Related terms

Fresco secco: A technique of mural painting where pigments are applied to dry plaster, allowing for more detailed work but with less durability compared to buon fresco.

Giornata: The term used to describe the amount of work that an artist can complete in one day when applying buon fresco, as it must be done while the plaster is still wet.

Intonaco: The final layer of plaster used in the buon fresco technique, which is smooth and ideal for painting because it absorbs the water from the pigment, helping it bond.