What is the Difference Between a Fresco and a Mural?
A mural is a picture painted directly onto a walls surface using acrylic or household paint. A fresco has been bound to the wall by applying pigments, usually made from ground up stone or earth and mixed with lime, directly on to wet, fresh plaster.
Top 10 Frescos & Murals You Must Travel to See
The History of Mexico
Artist: Diego Rivera
Palacio Nacional - Mexico City, Mexico
Diego Rivera’s History of Mexico at the Palacio Nacional in Mexico City is considered a masterpiece of both the artist and the Mexican Mural Movement. The piece was commissioned by the Mexican government in the 1920’s as a way to promote national identity and culture.
Social History of Missouri
Artist: Thomas Hart Benton
The House Lounge of the Missouri State Capitol - Jefferson City, MO
Thomas Hart Benton was strongly associated with the Regionalist movement, depicting scenes from American working life at a time when European art was moving toward with abstraction. He is known for his strong color and dynamic composition and particularly as a muralist.
Sistine Chapel Ceiling
Artist: Michelangelo
Vatican Museums - Vatican City, Rome
Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, 9-panel fresco, illustrates Genesis stories with detailed portrayals of prophets, sibyls, and other biblical figures - showcasing the artist's unparalleled mastery of anatomy, composition, and narrative storytelling.
School of Athens
Artist: Raffaello
Apostolic Palace - Vatican City, Rome
Raffaello's "School of Athens" in Vatican City embodies the pinnacle of Renaissance art and philosophy, depicting historical figures like Plato and Aristotle in a symposium of intellectual exchange. This mural reflects on our intellectual heritage, artistic brilliance and philosophical depth.
The Last Supper
Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
Santa Maria delle Grazie - Milan, Italy
Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper is perhaps the most iconic one of all. Completed in the late 15th century, da Vinci's depiction of the final meal that Jesus shared with his Apostles has framed our visual image of what occurred in that biblical account. This secco fresco decorates the wall of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
Strahov Library
Artist: Siard Nosecký and Anton Maulbertsch
Strahovská Obrazárna - Prague, Czech Republic
A collection of stunning frescoes illustrating themes of knowledge, wisdom, and spirituality, dating back to the 17th century. The walls represent God’s word leads to wisdom. The ceiling depicts Moses and the Stone Tablets and Saint Paul the Apostle preaching in Athens attended by a flock of Bohemian saints and church fathers.
Hall of Mirrors
Artist: Charles le Brun
The Palace of Versailles - Versailles, France
Thirty magnificent frescoes adorn the Chateau's vaulted ceiling, adding to its already impressive architecture. With intricate details and vibrant colors the frescos truly capture the rich history and cultural significance of the Chateau, symbolically showcasing the power and glory of the King of France.
Church of the Savior
Artist: Vasnetsov, Nesterov, and Vrubel
Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood - St. Petersburg, Russia
Even in a historic town, blessed with many awe-inspiring buildings that celebrate Christianity, the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood is a monumental landmark where God’s spirit almost literally looms over its followers. The cathedral was constructed between 1883 and 1907, at the very site where Tsar Alexander II of Russia was assassinated in 1881.
Twin Dragons
Artist: Koizumi Junsaku
Dharma Hall Kennin-Ji Temple - Kyoto, Japan
Koizumi Junsaku's "Twin Dragons" adorn the Temple ceiling, serving as profound symbols of Zen Buddhism and Japan's rich artistic heritage. With their dynamic presence and evocative expressions, these dragons bridge the gap between myth and reality, inviting viewers to delve into the intertwined realms of tradition and modernity inherent in Japanese culture.
Little Children on a Bicycle
Artist: Ernest Zacharevic
Historic City of George Town - Penang, Malaysia
Although it may seem an unlikely place to look for more contemporary murals, Georgetown, Malaysia boasts a significant street art project. This example by the Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic is one of many created by both local and international artists. He is well known for his interactive murals reflecting local cultures.
Mural in Durbar Hall
Artist: Unknown
Thanjavur Maratha Palace - Tanjore, Tamil Nadu - India
This is just one of many wall paintings and amazing architecture that can be seen at the 17th century Thanjavur Palace or the Aranmanai, in the the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The place walls have frescoes and paintings depicting Hindu mythology, history of the region and genre paintings of life within the court.
The Last Supper is techically not a fresco! Leonardo did not use traditional fresco technique while painting the Last Supper. He used the dry plaster method that enabled him to paint slowly.
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