Fresco secco

Definition

Fresco secco is a painting technique where pigments are applied to dry plaster, allowing for more detailed work and a wider range of colors. This method differs from true fresco, or buon fresco, where pigments are applied to wet plaster. Artists often used fresco secco to add details or make corrections to an already finished wall surface, showcasing their skill in rendering intricate designs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fresco secco allows artists to work on a dry surface, making it easier to achieve fine details compared to the wet fresco method.
2. This technique is more susceptible to flaking and deterioration over time since the paint does not bond with the plaster like in buon fresco.
3. Fresco secco was often employed for the decoration of walls and ceilings in Roman villas and public buildings, adding vibrant colors and intricate designs.
4. The use of fresco secco became popular during the Renaissance as artists sought new ways to express their creativity and enhance the visual impact of their works.
5. In combination with buon fresco, artists could create complex compositions that utilized both techniques to maximize color vibrancy and detail.

Review Questions

• How does fresco secco differ from buon fresco in terms of application and longevity?
  • Fresco secco involves applying pigments to dry plaster, which allows for greater detail but results in weaker adhesion between the paint and wall compared to buon fresco. In buon fresco, pigments are applied while the plaster is still wet, allowing the paint to integrate with the wall as it dries. This difference affects the longevity of the artwork; fresco secco is more prone to flaking over time, while buon fresco typically endures better due to its chemical bonding with the plaster.
• What advantages did artists find in using fresco secco during the Renaissance compared to other painting techniques?
  • During the Renaissance, artists appreciated fresco secco for its ability to allow for intricate detailing and a wider palette of colors. Unlike tempera or oil painting, which required different surfaces or drying times, fresco secco provided flexibility in design on pre-existing walls. This versatility made it ideal for enhancing murals or correcting areas on larger projects without starting anew, contributing to its popularity in grand public works and private residences.
• Evaluate the impact of fresco secco on Roman mural painting and how it influenced later artistic movements.
  • Fresco secco significantly impacted Roman mural painting by allowing for elaborate decoration of public and private spaces with detailed imagery and vibrant colors. Its use in Roman villas set a standard for future muralists during the Renaissance and Baroque periods who sought to emulate classical techniques. The revival of interest in classical art during these later periods led artists to blend methods like fresco secco with oil painting, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and paving the way for innovative styles seen in modern art.

Related terms

Buon fresco: A technique of mural painting on freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the pigments to become an integral part of the wall surface.

Tempera: A fast-drying painting medium made from colored pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, often egg yolk, commonly used before oil paints became popular.

Sgraffito: A decorative technique that involves scratching through a surface to reveal a lower layer of contrasting color, often used in conjunction with fresco secco.