gesso

[ jes-oh ]

noun

, plural ges·soes.

1. gypsum or plaster of Paris prepared with glue for use as a surface for painting.
2. any plasterlike preparation to prepare a surface for painting, gilding, etc.
3. a prepared surface of plaster or plasterlike material for painting, gilding, etc.

gesso

/ ˈdʒɛsəʊ /

noun

1. a white ground of plaster and size, used esp in the Middle Ages and Renaissance to prepare panels or canvas for painting or gilding
2. any white substance, esp plaster of Paris, that forms a ground when mixed with water

Word History and Origins

Origin of gesso¹

1590–1600; < Italian < Latin gypsum gypsum

Word History and Origins

Origin of gesso¹

C16: from Italian: chalk, gypsum

Example Sentences

No. 1261 retains the greater part of a gilt gesso border, stamped or modelled with a wavy tendril and bud pattern.

From Project Gutenberg

The background is entirely of gold, thickly studded with bosses of gilded gesso.

From Project Gutenberg

It is of an architectural type and of oak, and was covered with gilded gesso which long since disappeared.

From Project Gutenberg

The examples coated with gilded gesso or blazoned with paintings are, however, the most magnificent.

From Project Gutenberg

The evidence is in favour of white grounds, of size and gesso.

From Project Gutenberg