(; ) is a technique either of wall decor, produced by applying layers of

plaster Plaster is a building material used for the protective or decorative coating of walls and ceilings and for Molding (decorative), moulding and casting decorative elements. In English, "plaster" usually means a material used for the interiors of ...

tinted in contrasting colours to a moistened surface, or in

pottery Pottery is the process and the products of forming vessels and other objects with clay and other ceramic materials, which are fired at high temperatures to give them a hard and durable form. Major types include earthenware, stoneware and por ...

, by applying to an unfired ceramic body two successive layers of contrasting

slip Slip or SLIP may refer to: Science and technology Biology * Slip (fish), also known as Black Sole * Slip (horticulture), a small cutting of a plant as a specimen or for grafting * Muscle slip, a branching of a muscle, in anatomy Computing and ...

or glaze, and then in either case scratching so as to reveal parts of the underlying layer. The Italian

past participle In linguistics, a participle () (from Latin ' a "sharing, partaking") is a nonfinite verb form that has some of the characteristics and functions of both verbs and adjectives. More narrowly, ''participle'' has been defined as "a word derived from ...

is also used, especially of pottery.

Etymology

WLANL - 23dingenvoormusea - majolica schotel met fruitman

The term originates in Italian as a

portmanteau A portmanteau word, or portmanteau (, ) is a blend of wordsLombardic origin.

History

Sgraffito on walls has been used in Europe since classical times. It was popularized in

Italy Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and its territory largely coincides with the homonymous geographical re ...

in the 15th and 16th centuries and can be found in

African art African art describes the modern and historical paintings, sculptures, installations, and other visual culture from native or indigenous Africans and the African continent. The definition may also include the art of the African diasporas, su ...

. In combination with ornamental decoration these techniques formed an alternative to the prevailing painting of walls. The technical procedure for sgraffito is relatively simple, resembling the process of painting frescoes. ''Sgraffito'' played a significant role during the

Italian Renaissance The Italian Renaissance ( it, Rinascimento ) was a period in Italian history covering the 15th and 16th centuries. The period is known for the initial development of the broader Renaissance culture that spread across Europe and marked the trans ...

, with two of

Raphael Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, better known as Raphael (; or ; March 28 or April 6, 1483April 6, 1520), was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance. List of works by Raphael, His work is admired for its clarity of form, ease of ...

's workshops,

Polidoro da Caravaggio Polidoro Caldara, usually known as Polidoro da Caravaggio ( – 1543) was an Italian painter of the Mannerist period, "arguably the most gifted and certainly the least conventional of Raphael's pupils", who was best known for his now-vanished pa ...

and his partner

Maturino da Firenze Maturino da Firenze (1490–1528) was an Italian painter, born in Florence, but working in Rome during the Renaissance. Vasari described the relationship between Polidoro da Caravaggio and Maturino as exceedingly close: Vasari did not disti ...

, among the leading specialists. They painted palace facades in Rome and other cities however most of their work has since weathered. During the 16th century, the technique was brought to Germany by the master builders of the Renaissance and taken up with enthusiasm. As a simple native art, old examples of ''sgraffito'' can be found in the wide surroundings of Wetterau and

Marburg Marburg ( or ) is a university town in the German federal state (''Bundesland'') of Hesse, capital of the Marburg-Biedenkopf district (''Landkreis''). The town area spreads along the valley of the river Lahn and has a population of approximate ...

. In Germany, the technique is most predominant in

Bavaria Bavaria ( ; ), officially the Free State of Bavaria (german: Freistaat Bayern, link=no ), is a state in the south-east of Germany. With an area of , Bavaria is the largest German state by land area, comprising roughly a fifth of the total lan ...

. The use of ''sgraffito'' was common in the creation of housing façades for the purposes of advertising. The technique was also used in

Thuringia Thuringia (; german: Thüringen ), officially the Free State of Thuringia ( ), is a state of central Germany, covering , the sixth smallest of the sixteen German states. It has a population of about 2.1 million. Erfurt is the capital and larg ...

, the Engadin,

Austria Austria, , bar, Östareich officially the Republic of Austria, is a country in the southern part of Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. It is a federation of nine states, one of which is the capital, Vienna, the most populous ...

, and

Transylvania Transylvania ( ro, Ardeal or ; hu, Erdély; german: Siebenbürgen) is a historical and cultural region in Central Europe, encompassing central Romania. To the east and south its natural border is the Carpathian Mountains, and to the west the Ap ...

. In

Catalonia Catalonia (; ca, Catalunya ; Aranese Occitan: ''Catalonha'' ; es, Cataluña ) is an autonomous community of Spain, designated as a ''nationality'' by its Statute of Autonomy. Most of the territory (except the Val d'Aran) lies on the north ...

, sgraffito gained prominence during the early 20th century, particularly through the influence of Noucentista neo-classical architects. This period marked a significant resurgence in interest for classical aesthetics and cultural identity, prompting architects to adopt sgraffito as a recurrent technique for embellishing façades. The intricate patterns and designs scratched into the plaster surfaces of buildings became emblematic of the region's architectural heritage, reflecting a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. As sgraffito adorned numerous buildings throughout Catalonia, it not only served as a decorative element but also as a symbol of cultural revival and artistic innovation during a transformative period in the region's history. Another application of sgraffito involves a simplified painting technique. Initially, a single coat of paint is applied and allowed to dry on a canvas or sheet of paper. Subsequently, a different color is painted over the first layer. Using a palette knife, oil stick, or similar tool, the artist then scratches out a design, revealing the underlying color. Alternatively, oil pastels may be used for the initial layer, with black ink applied on top. In some cases, the initial layer of paint may be omitted, and the artist scrapes back the wet coat to expose the canvas underneath. However, this method is not applicable when using oil pastels. This technique is frequently employed in art classes to introduce novice art students to the sgraffito technique. In the process of

stained glass Stained glass is coloured glass as a material or works created from it. Throughout its thousand-year history, the term has been applied almost exclusively to the windows of churches and other significant religious buildings. Although tradition ...

creation, finely ground pigments of black, brown, and yellow colors, mixed with either water or glycerin, are delicately applied to sheet glass. Once the pigment mixture has dried, the artist can meticulously remove portions of it, revealing the light from beneath in intricate patterns. This technique of sgraffito is subtractive in nature, enabling the artist to work imagery into the surface of the glass. To permanently fuse the pigment to the glass, multiple firings in a kiln may be necessary. This firing process allows the maker to achieve high definition, contrast, and subtle gradients, utilizing a variety of tools to manipulate the pigment and create the desired effects.

Art Nouveau

Examples of graphic work on facades saw a resurgence through 1915, in the context of the rise of the Arts and Crafts Movement, the

Vienna Secession The Vienna Secession (german: Wiener Secession; also known as ''the Union of Austrian Artists'', or ''Vereinigung Bildender Künstler Österreichs'') is an art movement, closely related to Art Nouveau, that was formed in 1897 by a group of Austri ...

, and particularly the

Art Nouveau Art Nouveau (; ) is an international style of art, architecture, and applied art, especially the decorative arts. The style is known by different names in different languages: in German, in Italian, in Catalan, and also known as the Modern ...

movement in Belgium and France. The English artist Heywood Sumner has been identified''Modern mural decoration'' by Alfred Lys Baldry, 1902 as this era's pioneer of the technique, for example his work at the 1892 St Mary's Church, Sunbury,

Surrey Surrey () is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in South East England, bordering Greater London to the south west. Surrey has a large rural area, and several significant urban areas which form part of the Greater London Built-up Area. ...

. Sumner's work is ''sgraffito per se'', scratched plaster, but the term has come to encompass a variety of techniques for producing exterior graphic decoration. The incorporation of floral motifs of intricate patterns that uses the contrast of the etching technique. Although the technique was popularized during the renaissance period, the modern craft movement adopted its usages and have incorporated the styles throughout the crafts movement such as

art nouveau Art Nouveau (; ) is an international style of art, architecture, and applied art, especially the decorative arts. The style is known by different names in different languages: in German, in Italian, in Catalan, and also known as the Modern ...

that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century in ceramics, glass, and metals.

Applications across different mediums

* Glass: Sgraffito can be seen in both blown and stained glass windows, where skilled artisans carve intricate designs into the surface of the glass, creating stunning visual effects when illuminated. * Enamel: In the realm of enamelwork, sgraffito techniques are utilized to carve designs into the enamel surface, adding texture and dimension to the finished pieces. * Ceramics and Pottery: Sgraffito is perhaps most commonly associated with ceramics and pottery, where artists scratch through layers of glaze or slip to reveal contrasting colors or the natural clay body beneath, resulting in striking surface decoration. * Architecture: Sgraffito finds expression in architectural ornamentation, with elaborate designs adorning the facades of buildings, particularly in regions where the technique has historical significance. * Furniture: Though less common, sgraffito can also be found in furniture design, particularly in northern European regions like Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Here, it often appears as intricate patterns scratched onto wooden surfaces, adding a touch of folk art charm to furniture pieces. Other examples include: * Ceramic panels on the Grande Maison de Blanc, Brussels, architect Oscar François, artist Henri Privat-Livemont, 1896–1897 * The

Hôtel Albert Ciamberlani The Hôtel Albert Ciamberlani (french: Hôtel Albert Ciamberlani; nl, Huis Albert Ciamberlani), occasionally also referred to as the Hôtel Veuve Ciamberlani (meaning ''House of Widow Ciamberlani''), is a historic town house in Brussels, Belgi ...

, Brussels, architect

Paul Hankar Paul Hankar (11 December 1859 – 17 January 1901) was a Belgian architect and furniture designer, and an innovator in the Art Nouveau style. Career Hankar was born at Frameries, in Hainaut, Belgium, the son of a stonemason. He studied at the ...

, ''sgraffito'' designs by

Albert Ciamberlani Albert Louis Alexandre Vincent Marie Ciamberlani (1864–1956) was a Belgian symbolist painter. He was born in Brussels. He studied law, and art under i.a. Jean-François Portaels. Between 1924 and 1935 he was a professor of monumental art at the ...

and executed by , 1897. * The Golden House,

Charleroi Charleroi ( , , ; wa, Tchålerwè ) is a city and a municipality of Wallonia, located in the province of Hainaut, Belgium. By 1 January 2008, the total population of Charleroi was 201,593.

(Belgium), ''sgraffito'' designs by Gabriel Van Dievoet 1899. * ''Princess of Dreams'' tile tympanum and other work, Hotel Metropol, Moscow, architect William Walcot, artist Mikhail Vrubel, 1899–1907 *

Cauchie House The Cauchie House (french: Maison Cauchie, nl, Cauchiehuis) is a town house in Brussels, Belgium. It was built in 1905 by Art Nouveau architect, painter, and designer Paul Cauchie, in Etterbeek, next to the Parc du Cinquantenaire/Jubelpark. I ...

, Brussels, architect Paul Cauchie, 1905 * Ceramic ''Homage to Prague'' tympanum of the Municipal House in Prague, architect

Osvald Polívka Osvald Polívka (24 May 1859 in Enns – 30 April 1931 in Prague) was an Austrian-born Czech architect associated with the Art Nouveau period in Prague. Polívka designed many of Prague's significant landmarks of the era, plus other work in Brno ...

, artist

Karel Špillar Karel Špillar (21 November 1871, Pilsen - 7 April 1939, Prague) was a Czech painter and graphic artist. Biography His father, Antonín, was a financial officer for the city of Pilsen. His brothers, Jaroslav and Rudolf, also became painters. A ...

, 1905–1912

Gallery

File:9736 - Firenze, Palazzo Nasi - Foto Giovanni Dall'Orto, 27-Oct-2007.jpg, Palazzo Nasi,

Florence Florence ( ; it, Firenze ) is a city in Central Italy and the capital city of the Tuscany region. It is the most populated city in Tuscany, with 383,083 inhabitants in 2016, and over 1,520,000 in its metropolitan area.Bilancio demografico an ...

File:House in Olomouc.jpg, Building in Olomouc File:Mais.Cauchie sgraf. 2e ét.JPG,

Brussels Brussels (french: Bruxelles or ; nl, Brussel ), officially the Brussels-Capital Region (All text and all but one graphic show the English name as Brussels-Capital Region.) (french: link=no, Région de Bruxelles-Capitale; nl, link=no, Bruss ...

File:Hotel Ciamberlani - sgraffite de l'étage, détail..JPG, Detail of

, Brussels File:Charleroi - Maison Dorée 1.JPG, Golden House, ''sgraffiti'' by Gabriel van Dievoet,

Charleroi Charleroi ( , , ; wa, Tchålerwè ) is a city and a municipality of Wallonia, located in the province of Hainaut, Belgium. By 1 January 2008, the total population of Charleroi was 201,593.

, 1899. File:Mödling - Bürgerhaus Rathausgasse 6.JPG, Renaissance façade with ''sgraffito'' in

Mödling Mödling () is the capital of the Austrian Mödling (district), district of the same name located approximately 14 km south of Vienna. Mödling lies in Lower Austria's industrial zone (Industrieviertel). The Mödlingbach, a brook which rises ...

File:Althofen Salzburger Platz 6 Riederhaus West-Ansicht 20082018 4275.jpg, Renaissance façade with ''sgraffito'' in

Althofen Althofen ( sl, Stari Dvor) is a town in the district of Sankt Veit an der Glan in the Austrian state of Carinthia. Geography The town is located about north of Sankt Veit an der Glan and north of the state capital Klagenfurt in the Krappfel ...

File:Pyrgi house1.JPG, House covered with ''sgraffito'' in the village of

Pyrgi Pyrgi (''Pyrgus'' in Etruscan) was originally an ancient Etruscan town and port in Latium, central Italy, to the north-west of Caere. Its location is now occupied by the borough of Santa Severa. It is notable for the discovery here of the go ...

, Mastichochoria of

Chios Chios (; el, Χίος, Chíos , traditionally known as Scio in English) is the fifth largest Greek island, situated in the northern Aegean Sea. The island is separated from Turkey by the Chios Strait. Chios is notable for its exports of mastic ...

File:Casa del Gremi de Revenedors . façana esgrafiada 03.JPG, Building in

Barcelona Barcelona ( , , ) is a city on the coast of northeastern Spain. It is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia, as well as the second most populous municipality of Spain. With a population of 1.6 million within ci ...

File:GuentherZ 2007-04-28 2811 Drosendorf Rathaus.jpg, Town hall of

Drosendorf-Zissersdorf Drosendorf-Zissersdorf is a town in the district of Horn in Lower Austria, Austria Austria, , bar, Östareich officially the Republic of Austria, is a country in the southern part of Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. It is ...

File:Jindruchev Hradec - Haus am Markt - Sgraffito - Panorama.jpg, Building in Jindřichův Hradec

References

External links

Sgraffito Collection
of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam.

{{Authority control Murals Plastering Types of pottery decoration Italian words and phrases Painting techniques