Buon fresco

Definition

Buon fresco, or true fresco, is a painting technique that involves applying water-based pigments onto freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the paint to bond with the wall as it dries. This method is significant because it creates a durable and vibrant finish, ideal for large murals and wall decorations, and is closely associated with ancient and Renaissance art, where artists sought to achieve long-lasting works that would enhance architectural spaces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Buon fresco requires artists to work quickly, as the plaster must be wet when the paint is applied, limiting the time for each section.
2. This technique was favored in ancient Greece and Rome due to its ability to produce bright colors that withstand the test of time.
3. In buon fresco, pigments used are typically made from natural materials, which helps create a rich color palette that enhances the overall appearance of the artwork.
4. The durability of buon fresco makes it ideal for public buildings and spaces that require artwork to last for centuries.
5. Famous examples of buon fresco can be seen in the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo used this technique to create his iconic ceiling paintings.

Review Questions

• How does the application process of buon fresco differ from other painting techniques, and what implications does this have for artists?
  • Buon fresco involves applying pigments onto wet plaster, which requires artists to work swiftly before the plaster dries. This contrasts with techniques like fresco secco, where paint is applied to dry plaster. The time constraint in buon fresco impacts how artists plan their compositions and execute their work, often necessitating a more spontaneous approach to achieve a cohesive mural.
• Discuss the advantages and challenges associated with using buon fresco in large-scale murals compared to other methods.
  • Buon fresco offers several advantages for large-scale murals, such as vibrant colors and durability due to the paint binding with wet plaster. However, it also presents challenges, including the need for rapid application and the difficulty of making corrections once the plaster has dried. Artists must meticulously plan their designs in advance to ensure they can complete sections of the mural before losing their window of opportunity.
• Evaluate the impact of buon fresco on the artistic developments during ancient Greece and its legacy in later art movements.
  • Buon fresco significantly influenced artistic developments during ancient Greece by allowing artists to create expansive and vibrant wall paintings that complemented architectural designs. This technique established a standard for mural painting that persisted into the Renaissance and beyond. Its legacy can be seen in how modern artists draw inspiration from classical techniques, emphasizing color permanence and integration with space while evolving styles to reflect contemporary themes.

Related terms

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

Gypsum plaster: A quick-setting material often used in fresco techniques; its properties affect the absorption and finish of the painted surface.

Mural painting: The art of painting on walls or ceilings, often utilizing techniques like buon fresco to create large-scale artworks that integrate with architecture.