Buon fresco

Definition

Buon fresco, or true fresco, is a technique of mural painting where pigments mixed with water are applied to freshly laid wet plaster. This method allows the paint to become an integral part of the wall as it dries, resulting in vibrant colors and durability. It is significant in the context of artistic evolution, showcasing advancements in techniques that played a role in the overall development of Roman pictorial arts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Buon fresco is especially associated with the Roman and Italian Renaissance periods, where it was used for large wall paintings in public spaces like temples and homes.
2. The process requires skilled artisans because once the plaster dries, it is no longer possible to modify the painted surface.
3. Notable examples of buon fresco include works by artists like Raphael and Michelangelo, who utilized this method to create stunning visual narratives.
4. Because it involves working with wet plaster, artists had to complete their work quickly, leading to a unique collaborative environment among painters.
5. The durability of buon fresco allows many ancient works to survive today, providing valuable insight into the culture and aesthetics of past civilizations.

Review Questions

• How does the technique of buon fresco differ from fresco secco in terms of execution and longevity?
  • Buon fresco involves painting on wet plaster, which allows the pigments to bond with the plaster as it dries, creating a durable and vibrant finish. In contrast, fresco secco is applied on dry plaster, which can lead to peeling and fading over time since the paint sits on top rather than becoming part of the wall. This fundamental difference affects how each technique is used in artworks and their overall preservation.
• Discuss the impact of buon fresco on the evolution of Roman mural painting and how it reflects cultural values of the time.
  • Buon fresco significantly impacted Roman mural painting by enabling artists to create larger and more complex scenes that conveyed narratives and cultural values. This technique allowed for vibrant colors and detailed compositions that celebrated mythology, history, and everyday life. As a result, murals created using buon fresco became essential for expressing identity and ideals in public and private spaces during this period.
• Evaluate how the use of buon fresco in ancient Rome informs our understanding of their societal structures and artistic priorities.
  • The prevalence of buon fresco in ancient Rome reveals much about their societal structures, such as the emphasis on public life, religious practices, and communal spaces. By analyzing these murals, we can see how they portrayed power dynamics, social norms, and daily activities. The artistic priorities reflected in these works indicate a culture that valued storytelling through visual arts, using techniques like buon fresco to ensure longevity and impact. This connection between art and society helps us better understand the complexities of Roman culture.

Related terms

Fresco Secco: A painting technique where pigments are applied to dry plaster, allowing for more detail but less durability compared to buon fresco.

Mural: A large-scale painting or artwork directly applied to a wall or ceiling, often depicting scenes that convey cultural or historical significance.

Chiaroscuro: An artistic technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects and figures.