New Mode of Fresco Painting.

Scientific American 26, 15.3.1851

The London Athemeum contains an account of a new discovery of fresco painting, lately introduced into Germany and termed Stereochromic.

The discoverer is Prof. von Euchs, of Munich, who, it seems, had to undergo all the opposition and jealousies incident to discoverers in general. Though now, in his old age, his invention is made use of in the new frescoes at Berlin, it is possible that he may die without reaping any personal benefit from it.

Stereochromic is a preserver of the wall on which it is painted by the chemical action of the solution sprinkled over the picture while in progress, the whole ground on which it is painted and the picture itself becomes one hard flinty mass, and the colors are converted into the hardest stone. So hard, indeed is it, that neither fire nor damp has the slightest effect on it. The most striking experiments have been made to test it during the last twelve years. The colors are not combined, as in al fresco, with lime, but with a solution of silex; and all the advantages of fresco painting are obtained without any of its disadvantages. This species of painting resists every influence of climate, and may be confidently used as an external coating for build. ings in any part of the world. To the artist himself it offers the most important recommendations. He is not confined to time in executing it. He can leave off when he pleases, and for any length of time; which he cannot do in fresco work by any means, nor in oil painting within certain limits. The highest advantage of all, however, is, that the same part may be painted over and over am often as you please — which is not possible it fresco; and, consequently, in this new mod( the most perfeet harmony may be preservec throughout the largest possible painting. Ir fresco, the artist is the slave of his materials — here, he is their arbitrary master to the full est extent.