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FRESCO PAINTING ITS ART AND TECHNIQUE
PREFACE
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
FRESCO PAINTING - CHAPTER I THE RELATIONSHIP OF MURAL PAINTING TO ARCHITECTURE
CHAPTER II MURAL DECORATION—SYSTEMS AND METHODS
CHAPTER III FRESCO-BUONO PROCESS—COLOURS—PREPARATION OF THE WALL—METHOD OF EXECUTION
CHAPTER IV PAINTING OF FLESH AND DRAPERIES—PERMANENCE OF BUON-FRESCO
CHAPTER V SPIRIT FRESCO PAINTING
CHAPTER VI TECHNICAL NOTES ON THE COMPOSITION, COLOUR, AND PRESENT STATE OF SOME ITALIAN FRESCOS
This volume offers a hands‑on introduction to the art and science of fresco painting, drawing on the author’s own experience with the traditional “buon‑fresco” and the later “spirit‑fresco” techniques. It tackles common misconceptions about the medium, especially the notion that England’s damp climate makes true fresco impossible, and explains how a solid understanding of pigments, lime, and surface preparation can overcome those challenges. Readers will find practical advice on mixing, applying, and preserving pigments, as well as thoughtful commentary on the chemistry that governs the longevity of wall paintings.
The book is richly illustrated with colour plates and half‑tone reproductions of celebrated Italian frescoes, from Giotto to Michelangelo, giving visual context to the technical discussion. By linking mural work to architectural principles, it helps students of decorative art see how frescoes enhance and are shaped by the spaces they adorn. The combination of historical insight and clear, step‑by‑step guidance makes it a valuable resource for anyone curious about reviving this timeless craft.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (105K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chuck Greif, deaurider and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2018-10-24
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1851–1924
Known for landscapes, portraits, and scenes from everyday Irish life, this Belfast-born artist built a long career that connected local art circles with the wider Royal Hibernian Academy. His work reflects both careful observation and a strong sense of place.
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