Final answer:
A fresco is a type of durable mural painting created by applying water-based pigments to wet plaster, which bonds chemically as it dries, forming an integral part of the wall or ceiling.
Step-by-step explanation:
A fresco is a type of mural painting that involves applying water-based pigments on plaster that is still wet. The technique, known as buon fresco, involves the paint chemically bonding with the plaster as it dries, creating a durable and permanent artwork integral to the wall or ceiling it's painted on.
This method of painting was particularly prevalent during the Renaissance period and is distinguished by its ability to last for centuries, as seen in many classical pieces of art that have survived to this day. Buon fresco, also known as "true fresco", contrasts with fresco secco (dry fresco), where pigments are applied to dried plaster.
Fresco comes from the Italian word meaning 'fresh', alluding to the fresh lime plaster used. Some of the most significant concentrations of frescoes can be found on the walls of the Haveli in Mandawa, India, where the colors have remained vibrant for a millennium despite environmental damage.