Texes Art EC-12 Practice Exam

Which of the following art techniques is associated with the decoration of walls in ancient Roman villas?

1. Oil painting

2. Fresco

3. Watercolor

4. Collage

The correct answer is: Fresco

The technique associated with the decoration of walls in ancient Roman villas is fresco. Fresco is a method of mural painting on freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the pigments to bind with the plaster as it dries. This technique was widely used by Roman artists to create vibrant wall surfaces that depicted various scenes, including mythological themes, landscapes, and domestic life, effectively transforming the interiors of villas into immersive environments. The skill involved in applying fresh paint to wet plaster aimed to ensure long durability and bright colors as the wall itself aged, which is why many of these artworks have survived over the centuries. This contrasts with other techniques like oil painting, which came into prominence much later during the Renaissance, or watercolor, which is generally used on paper and not suited for wall decoration. Collage, while creative, involves assembling different materials rather than painting directly onto a wall surface. Thus, fresco stands out clearly as the historical technique specifically linked to ancient Roman villa decorations.