Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Frescoes are paintings created on wet plaster walls or ceilings. The pigments used in frescoes bind with the wet plaster as it dries, resulting in a durable artwork that becomes an integral part of the wall or ceiling surface.
Related terms
Buon Fresco: Buon fresco refers to true fresco technique where pigments are applied directly onto wet lime plaster. This technique allows for greater durability and longevity of frescoes.
Sistine Chapel Ceiling: The Sistine Chapel Ceiling is one of the most famous examples of fresco painting by Michelangelo. It depicts various scenes from Genesis and is renowned for its grand scale and artistic mastery.
Pompeii Frescoes: Pompeii was an ancient Roman city preserved under volcanic ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE. The excavations at Pompeii revealed numerous well-preserved frescoes that provide insights into ancient Roman art and daily life.