Fresco · Montecassino · Maestro Massimo Callossi
Four Modules · Florence, Italy

Advanced Course
on the Affresco Technique

by Maestro Massimo Callossi · Florence

The Technique

What is Affresco?

“Grassello di calce” (slaked lime aged for at least 18 months), sand, water, and mineral pigments (various oxides) are the primary base materials. As per ancient Roman methodology, all materials, including the brushes, should be exclusively natural.

The “intonaco” (a plaster mix of slaked lime and sand) and the mineral pigments are both available in Florence and will be supplied by the academy. It is only via the exclusive use of these natural materials, free of chemical, vinyl, acrylic, or synthetic additives, that the Art of Fresco can be executed in the Roman and Renaissance manner.

“Retouching” the completed work will likewise follow historical practice and use only natural materials such as egg, casein and organic & plant-based glues once the plaster has fully set. The fresco meetings at the academy take place in an ideal humid environment for fresco production, allowing the lime to set slowly.

Egg, blue mineral pigment and mixing tools · fresco preparation

Mineral pigments prepared for fresco · Florence Academy of Affresco

Course Structure

The course is divided into four consecutive modules, each lasting two weeks. Module I consists of 10 lessons and Modules II, III and IV of 12 lessons each, held from 9:00 to 13:00. Students are encouraged to dedicate afternoons to independent study.

The studio in session during Module I, June 2026

Module I · June 2026

I

First Module

16 to 28 November 2026  ·  again in 2027

Making 31 cm × 41 cm embrice or flat roof tile supports (several per student). Introductory to the full fresco process from preparing the support to applying the final velo layer.

  • Introductory lecture: brief history of fresco
  • Visit to Renaissance and modern Florentine frescoes: Masaccio's frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel
  • A lecture on Renaissance frescos
  • Producing full-size design drawings (cartoni per affresco)
  • Preparing the arriccio · first plaster layer (lime putty and sand)
  • Preparing the sinopia (preliminary drawing)
  • The spolvero · pouncing technique for transferring the cartone
  • Preparing the mestiche: the main colour palette in the tonal values required for executing the fresco
  • Applying the arriccio: laying the first layer of plaster (lime putty and sand) onto the embrice, and executing the sinopia on the dry arriccio
  • Applying the velo (final plaster layer) and executing the fresco on the same day
  • Visit to frescoes outside Florence · Church of Ponte Buggianese
II

Second Module

16 to 28 November 2026

Producing small wall frescoes measuring 130 cm × 100 cm on easel, divided into 2–3 giornate (working days). The cartone in this module will be significantly larger than in the previous module. The first module is repeated in parallel for new students.

  • Introductory lecture
  • Preparing preliminary sketches, accurately enlarging concepts to produce a full-size cartone
  • Producing the spolvera (pouncing technique) for transferring the cartone
  • Concept subjects agreed beforehand with the Maestro
  • Producing the sinopia or preliminary drawing
  • Preparing the mestiche (colour palette composing the main tonal values) and executing the fresco
  • Visit to frescoes outside Florence: the Academy will organise transportation
III

Third Module

2027

Producing a fresco on a large existing wall (wall measurements to be confirmed). At the end of this module, selected students will be invited to collaborate on a real-life project.

  • Introductory lecture
  • Developing preliminary work stages and learning to subdivide the final fresco concept into giornate (working days)
  • Learning to organise and distribute the wall into workable sections and determine the required quantity of intonaco
  • Identifying site requirements and logistics
  • Executing the fresco in one or more giornate (as established during the preliminary stages)
  • Visit to frescoes outside Florence: the Academy will organise transportation
IV

Fourth Module

2027

Advanced techniques including strappo (detaching frescoes from walls) and long-term restoration methods using historical practices.

  • Technique for stripping frescoes off a wall painting (strappo)
  • Advanced retouching using natural materials: egg, casein, organic and plant-based glues
  • Long-term conservation and restoration methodology
  • Participation in a real-life fresco project (selected students)

Practical Information

Admission

Applicants must demonstrate prior knowledge of drawing and submit a portfolio of work. Admission will be reviewed personally by Maestro Callossi.

Materials & Premises

The course takes place in Florence, with a maximum of 12 students per module. The November 2026 session is held at Palazzo Corsini al Parione. The fee for each module is communicated after admission, and includes all materials. The premises, fresco supports, brushes, and colours are provided by the academy. Travel, food, and lodging are the responsibility of the students. The academy is happy to assist in finding accommodation.

Language & Certificate

Sessions will be held in Italian and English, with simultaneous translation provided. At the end of the meetings, participants will receive a certificate of participation signed by Maestro Callossi.

The Natural Materials of Affresco

All materials are exclusively natural, as per ancient Roman methodology.
No chemical, vinyl, acrylic, or synthetic additives of any kind.

Grassello di Calce

Slaked lime aged for at least 18 months: the foundation of the intonaco and the key to fresco's inherent sustainability and permanence.

Mineral Pigments

Various metal oxides: the only pigments stable enough to bond with the alkaline lime plaster as it carbonates. Applied to fresh plaster, they become part of the wall itself.

Sand & Water

Pure sand and water form the body of the intonaco alongside the lime. The precise ratio determines the working time and final surface quality of the fresco.

Natural Brushes

All brushes used must be natural: synthetic bristles are not adequate. The retouching binders (egg, casein, plant-based glues) are equally historical and equally natural.

Questions and Answers

How long is the course?

Each module lasts two weeks. The four modules are consecutive: Modules I and II run in Florence in November 2026, Modules III and IV in 2027.

Where is the course held?

In Florence. The November 2026 session is held at Palazzo Corsini al Parione.

How many students are there in a class?

Each module has a maximum of 12 students.

What time are the lessons?

Lessons run from 9:00 to 13:00. Afternoons are free for individual work.

In what language are the lessons taught?

In Italian and English, with simultaneous translation.

Do I need experience with fresco?

No. Module I starts from preparing the support. What you do need is knowledge of drawing.

How do I get admitted?

Admission is by portfolio. Maestro Callossi reviews every application himself.

Do I need to take the modules in order?

Yes. The modules are taken in order: to join the second you must have completed the first, and so on.

Do I receive a certificate?

Yes. Participants receive a certificate of participation signed by Maestro Callossi.

Ready to Apply?

For information and registration, please contact us. Applications are reviewed personally by Maestro Callossi.

Apply for Module I