Page 437 - (DK) The Ultimate Visual Dictionary 2nd Ed.

FRESCO

EXAMPLE OF A FRESCO
The Expulsion of the Merchants from the Temple, Giotto, c.1306
Fresco, 78 × 72 in (200 × 185 cm)
One of a series
of frescoes in the
Arena Chapel,
Padua, Italy
Temple acts as
a backdrop for Patches of azurite
the action blue have turned
green due to
Bianco di San reaction with
Giovanni often carbon dioxide
used for fresco
whites

Gold leaf applied
to apostle’s halo Hairline junction
between giornate
is visible

Green earth
pigment applied
to robe
Red earth
pigment applied
in buon fresco
Child painted has retained
on top of
apostle’s robe rich hue

Azurite blue applied in fresco secco has Dry, matte surface characteristic
flaked off to reveal the plaster beneath of buon fresco
Artist has to finish giornata
before plaster dries Junction between giornate
Paint applied
in buon fresco Area with little
to child’s face A fresco was detail can be
generally painted quickly,
worked in allowing a
zones from larger giornata
the top down to be completed
White dove
represents
the Holy Ghost
Highly detailed
area takes a
longer time to
Paint applied paint, restricting
in fresco secco the size of the
to child’s body giornata
has flaked off Sinopia (design)
sketched in
red earth

DETAIL FROM “THE GIORNATE (DAILY SECTIONS) IN “THE EXPULSION”
EXPULSION”

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