Page 436 - (DK) The Ultimate Visual Dictionary 2nd Ed.

THE VISUAL AR TS

Fresco CROSS-SECTION SHOWING FRESCO LAYERS

Wall Arricio (layer of Intonaco
FRESCO IS A METHOD OF WALL PAINTING. In buon fresco (true fresco), coarse plaster)
pigments are mixed with water and applied to an intonaco (layer
of fresh, damp lime-plaster). The intonaco absorbs and binds the
pigments as it dries making the picture a permanent part of the wall
surface. The intonaco is applied in sections called giornate (daily
sections). The size of each giornata depends on the artist’s estimate
of how much can be painted before the plaster sets. The junctions Pigment
applied to
between giornate are sometimes visible on a finished fresco. The
intonaco
range of colors used in buon fresco are limited to lime-resistant
pigments such as earth colors (below). Slaked lime (burnt lime mixed
with water), bianco di San Giovanni (slaked lime that has been partly
exposed to air), and chalk can be used to produce fresco whites. In
fresco secco (dry fresco), pigments are mixed with a binding medium
and applied to dry plaster. The pigments are not completely absorbed
Mortar
into the plaster and may flake off over time.
Sinopia (design) drawn
on surface of arricio
EXAMPLES OF EARTH COLOR
PIGMENTS
EXAMPLES OF FRESCO BRUSHES

Round hog Dome-shaped
hair brush hog hair brush
Pointed
hog hair
Rust- brush
resistant
twine
RAW UMBER RED EARTH
binding
(IRON OXIDE)

GREEN EARTH RAW SIENNA

INGREDIENTS FOR FRESCO WHITES
Bianco di San Giovanni
Marble slab for
mixing ingredients
Slaked lime
Chalk

TONDO MUCCINI RIGA

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