What is fresco painting? Materials and process

Second appointment with the "Raphael’s School of Athens: The Medium and the Message" Rome Book Club.

One of the most famous and influential paintings of the Renaissance, contemporary with and rivaling Michelangelo’s Sistine Ceiling, Raphael’s fresco of ancient philosophers under a vaulted hall is both a brilliant articulation of philosophical systems and a sophisticated display of fresco technique. Understanding how medium and message were intertwined in Raphael’s world will open up a window onto the culture of the High Renaissance, where artistic craft and humanist thought went hand in hand.

What is fresco painting? Materials and process

This week, guided by Professor David Mayernik from the School of Architecture, we will learn about the fresco painting process. What were the materials involved, how did the artist prepare and paint on the wall? Follow along as a fresco copy of a figure from the School of Athens brings the ancient process to life.

In preparation for the meeting, some resources are dedicated to introductory material, including ‘instructions for use’ on ThinkND.

Register to participate and submit any question in advance.