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Affresco

Definition

An affresco refers to a mural painting technique where pigments are applied onto wet plaster. As the plaster dries, the pigments become embedded in the wall surface, creating a durable artwork.

Analogy

Imagine an artist painting on a wet canvas. The colors blend seamlessly with the canvas as it dries, becoming an integral part of the artwork itself.

Related terms

Fresco secco: A variation of affresco where pigments are applied onto dry plaster instead of wet plaster.

Buon fresco: The traditional method of affresco where pigments are applied onto freshly laid wet plaster.

Sgraffito: A decorative technique used in affresco where layers of colored plaster are scratched away to reveal underlying layers or patterns.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.