Avigliana - San Giovanni 

Defendente Ferrari painted this fresco in Avigliana using pigments applied to wet plaster. The way the paint has been absorbed into the wall is important here. Fresco isn't like easel painting, where the artist has complete control. Instead, the material asserts itself, requiring a quick, sure hand, and yielding a somewhat softened result. You can see how the colors bleed slightly at the edges, which contributes to the image's devotional tone. And consider the labor involved; fresco painting demands careful planning and execution, as each section must be completed before the plaster dries. There's little room for error. The fresco technique connects this artwork to a much wider history of craft practices. Understanding the material and processes involved allows us to appreciate the skill and dedication required to create this lasting image, and to understand how the nature of fresco can invite contemplation and reverence.