Word of the Day: GESSO

Pronunciation: ges·so UK /ˈdʒes.əʊ/ US /ˈdʒes.oʊ/

Meaning:

‘Gesso’ is a white, paint-like mixture traditionally made of plaster of Paris (gypsum), chalk, or whiting (calcium carbonate) mixed with glue. Artists apply it as a base layer on canvas, wood panels, or sculptures to create a smooth, absorbent surface for painting.

Origin and History:

The word "gesso" comes from Italian, meaning "chalk" or "plaster", derived from the Latin gypsum (plaster) and ultimately from the Greek gypsos (chalk),

During the Italian Renaissance, gesso gained prominence. Art manuals from the era described how painters coated wooden panels with this chalk-and-glue mixture to prepare the surface before applying tempera or oil paints. It ensured brightness, durability, and a fla

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