Arriccio

Definition

Arriccio refers to the first layer of rough plaster applied to a wall before fresco painting. This initial coat serves as a base for the later, finer layers and helps to create a suitable surface for the application of the final colored plaster, known as intonaco. By providing a strong and textured foundation, arriccio is crucial in ensuring that the colors adhere properly and that the overall composition remains durable over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The arriccio layer typically consists of a coarser mix of lime and sand, providing a rough texture for better adhesion of subsequent layers.
2. Artists often incised designs into the arriccio layer before applying intonaco, helping them plan out the final composition more accurately.
3. Arriccio helps absorb moisture during the drying process, which is essential for the chemical reaction that occurs when lime cures.
4. In some cases, pigments were added to the arriccio layer to give an underpainting effect, which could influence the final appearance of the fresco.
5. The quality and thickness of the arriccio layer can greatly affect the longevity and vibrancy of the finished fresco, making it a vital step in the painting process.

Review Questions

• How does the arriccio contribute to the overall success of a fresco painting?
  • The arriccio plays a vital role in a fresco painting by providing a strong and textured foundation for the subsequent layers. It ensures proper adhesion for the intonaco layer where actual painting occurs, influencing both durability and appearance. A well-prepared arriccio can help prevent issues such as peeling or fading, ultimately affecting the longevity and vibrancy of the fresco.
• What are some techniques artists use with arriccio to enhance their fresco compositions?
  • Artists utilize various techniques with arriccio to enhance their fresco compositions, such as incising designs into its surface. This allows them to establish outlines and details before applying intonaco. Additionally, incorporating pigments into the arriccio can provide an underlayer that influences color depth and harmony in the final work. These methods demonstrate how crucial arriccio is in planning and executing successful frescoes.
• Evaluate how advancements in plastering techniques might influence contemporary fresco artists' approach to using arriccio in their work.
  • Advancements in plastering techniques could significantly alter how contemporary fresco artists use arriccio by offering new materials or methods that improve adhesion and longevity. For instance, modern synthetic materials could be introduced alongside traditional lime-based plasters, enhancing flexibility and resistance to environmental factors. These innovations might allow artists to experiment with textures and layering strategies that were previously impractical, ultimately influencing their creative process and broadening the potential for contemporary fresco art.

Related terms

fresco: A technique of mural painting where water-based pigments are applied on freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the colors to become an integral part of the wall.

intonaco: The final, smooth layer of plaster that is applied over the arriccio, which serves as the surface for painting in fresco techniques.

giornata: A term that refers to the section of fresco that can be completed in one day, corresponding to the amount of intonaco that can be painted before it dries.