What is the technique called fresco?

• A. Encaustic
• B. Fresco
• C. Tempera
• D. Mural

Answer: (B)

Fresco is a painting technique where pigments are applied to freshly laid lime plaster while it’s still damp. As the plaster dries, the pigments become part of the wall through a chemical bond, creating a durable, integrated image. This method is known as buon fresco when the painting is done entirely on wet plaster. Because the plaster must stay wet long enough for the pigments to bind, artists work in sections called giornate, completing each patch before the plaster sets.

Encaustic uses heated wax as a binder, tempera uses egg yolk, and the term mural refers to a wall painting in general rather than a specific technique. The defining feature of fresco is the direct application to fresh plaster, which distinguishes it from the others.