Understanding Frescoes: A Journey Through Art and History

You hear about frescos when traveling Europe and understand they are art, but what exactly are they? Fresco is technique artist use and is employed in creating large-scale mural paintings. The method starts with applying wet-lime plaster to the wall or ceiling. (Wet-lime is mix of slaked lime, sand and water.) Before the plaster dries, the artist uses water-based paints to create their images. As the plaster dries, a chemical carbonation process occurs and the painted images become permanently integrated into the plaster. The result is vibrant colors and an exceptionally durable limestone-like finish.

The technique dates back to ancient Egypt and Crete between 3500 and 2000 BC and was utilized by the Romans in structures like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Giotto di Bondone, regarded as the father of the Italian Renaissance, popularized this technique. Michelangelo's creations in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel are composed entirely of frescoes.

This collection features images from the pre-Renaissance era and tell a different history. The first image was taken at Santa Maria Antiqua in the Roman Forum on Palatine Hill. Its the earliest and most significant Christian Monument within the Forum. Following 30 years of renovations, this 5th-century church was reopened to the public in 2016.

Image #2 originates from Herculaneum, and image #3 is from Pompeii. Both images were discovered in residential settings and are illustrative of daily life. These permanent frescoes were preserved under the volcanic ash of the 79AD eruption of Mt Vesuvius. Both cities were lost until being "accidently" uncovered; Pompeii in 1599 and Herculaneum in 1709. Excavations, though initially more of a treasure hunt, started in Herculaneum in 1738 and in Pompeii in 1748. Even today, neither site is fully excavated with large portions of Herculaneum being under modern day Ercolano. Efforts in Pompeii, about 30% unexcavated, are focused on conservation rather than expansion.

Image #4 was taken in the Church of Santa Sofia located in Benevento. Built around 760 AD, the church has experienced multiple reconstructions over the centuries, particularly following the earthquake in 1688. Benevento and the church exemplify a historical blend of Roman, Lombard, and medieval influences. The fresco is a noteworthy example of early medieval Italian painting and is a rare, well preserved portion from the original construction period depicting a biblical scene featuring the Archangel Gabriel and the Annunciation to Zacharias.

Yet the most significant period for Frescos was the Renaissance between the 1300 and 1500's.  It was a time before technology, mass media, or the Super Bowl.  Collecting art was the competitive pursuit du jour of the rich and famous.  Our photoshoots are intended to build collections of great photography but as we grow and stray off the "beaten path", we unearth fascinating bits of history.  In this case what seemed like a simple question, "What are frescos?" turned into a great story to tell.  We should mention our blog only covers a few highlights of a 2000-year history.