Gesso grosso

Description

A traditional initial gesso layer containing coarse Anhydrite (anhydrous calcium sulfate) particles in Hide glue. Gesso grosso was used as a ground layer for panel paintings, sculptures and decorative plasterwork. This base coat was covered with one or more coats of fine gypsum particles (gesso sottile).

Resources and Citations

• Art in the Making: Italian paintings before 1400

• The Dictionary of Art, Grove's Dictionaries Inc., New York, 1996 Comment: "Gesso" Jonathan Stephenson

• R. J. Gettens, G.L. Stout, Painting Materials, A Short Encyclopaedia, Dover Publications, New York, 1966