Arricci

/əˈriːtʃi/ noun

Definition

Plural of 'arricciato'; the intermediate layer of plaster applied to a wall before the final fresco painting layer.

Etymology

Italian plural of 'ricciuto' or 'arriccio,' from Latin 'ad-' + 'riccius.' These layers are named for their textured or crimped appearance, designed to give fresco paint something to grip.

Kelly Says

Renaissance fresco masters like Michelangelo had to be chemistry experts—the arricci layer had to be perfectly moist and prepared so the paint would chemically bond as it dried, or masterpieces would literally peel off.

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