Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɛsə͡ʊd] (IPA) 
Gessoed is a past tense verb that refers to the process of applying a white coating of gypsum or chalk mixed with glue onto a surface before painting. Its spelling can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈdʒɛsəʊd/ - with a soft "g" sound that sounds like a "j", followed by an "e" sound, and then a "s" sound with a "z" sound in the middle, and a long "o" sound. The last syllable is pronounced with a soft "d" sound.
Gessoed is an adjective used to describe a surface that has been prepared and covered with gesso, a primer or undercoat commonly used in art. The term mainly pertains to various art forms, notably painting and sculpture.
When a surface is gessoed, it means that a layer of gesso has been applied to prepare the surface for further artistic processes. Gesso is typically a white or off-white mixture consisting of gypsum, chalk, or pigment mixed with a binding agent like glue or acrylic polymer. It is used to create a smooth, even, and porous surface that allows paint or other materials to adhere effectively.
The process of gessoing involves applying several thin layers of gesso onto a canvas, wooden panel, or any other type of surface, and letting each layer dry before applying the next. This technique helps to create a strong and stable foundation, ensuring that the subsequent layers of paint or other media will properly bond to the surface without flaking or cracking.
The use of gessoed surfaces can be traced back to the Medieval and Renaissance periods, and it continues to be widely employed by artists today. The term "gessoed" serves as a description for any surface that has undergone this preparatory treatment, indicating that it has been adequately primed for artistic expression and enhancement.
The word "gessoed" is derived from the Italian word "gesso", which translates to "chalk". The use of gesso as a noun can be traced back to the late 16th century, referring to a mixture of chalk, gypsum, or plaster of Paris used to prepare surfaces, particularly wooden panels, for painting. Over time, the word "gesso" expanded its usage to become a verb, giving rise to "gessoing" or "gessoed" to describe the act of applying or preparing with gesso. It has become a standard term in the art world to describe the process of applying a preparatory layer to a surface before painting or gilding.
