Buon fresco

Definition

Buon fresco is a painting technique where water-based pigments are applied to freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the paint to become an integral part of the wall as it dries. This method is known for its durability and vibrant colors, making it a favored choice for murals in ancient times. It contrasts with other techniques like fresco secco, where pigments are applied to dry plaster, resulting in less permanence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Buon fresco has been used since ancient times, particularly in Greek and Roman art, allowing for vibrant and long-lasting color on walls.
2. The technique requires skilled artisans who must work quickly before the plaster dries, making the execution a true test of artistry and planning.
3. Notable examples of buon fresco include the frescoes found in the Palace of Knossos in Crete and various ancient Greek tombs.
4. The application of buon fresco often involves layering different colors and shades within the wet plaster for depth and realism.
5. The durability of buon fresco makes it less prone to fading or peeling over time compared to other painting techniques.

Review Questions

• How does the technique of buon fresco differ from fresco secco, and what are the implications of these differences on the durability of artworks?
  • Buon fresco involves applying water-based pigments on wet plaster, while fresco secco uses dry plaster as a base. The key difference lies in the integration of the pigment with the plaster; in buon fresco, the paint becomes part of the wall as it dries, resulting in a more durable finish. In contrast, fresco secco may lead to paint flaking or fading over time due to its lack of chemical bonding with the plaster.
• Discuss the significance of buon fresco in ancient Greek art and how it was utilized in various artistic projects during that time.
  • Buon fresco played a crucial role in ancient Greek art, particularly in creating vibrant murals that adorned important buildings and tombs. This technique allowed artists to depict complex scenes with rich colors, which were essential for storytelling and cultural expression. Works such as those found in the Palace of Knossos exemplify how buon fresco contributed to both religious and everyday themes in Greek society, reflecting their values and beliefs through visual art.
• Evaluate the artistic challenges faced by painters using the buon fresco technique in ancient Greece, including how these challenges influenced their creative processes.
  • Painters utilizing the buon fresco technique faced significant challenges due to the need for speed and precision. Since they had to work on wet plaster before it dried, careful planning was essential to ensure that colors blended seamlessly and details were captured accurately. This urgency often influenced artists' creative processes, leading them to develop efficient methods for sketching designs beforehand and layering pigments quickly. The constraints imposed by this technique also fostered a unique style that emphasized bold colors and dynamic compositions characteristic of ancient Greek murals.

Related terms

Fresco Secco: A painting technique where pigments are applied to dry plaster, which can lead to less durable results compared to buon fresco.

Mural: A large-scale painting or artwork directly applied to a wall or ceiling, often using techniques like buon fresco for lasting effects.

Giornata: A term used in fresco painting that refers to the amount of work that can be completed in one day on a section of wet plaster.