Sentence:  <WSD>"Sgraffito</WSD>" is not only weather resistant but also requires less artistic skill than alfresco painting. Although scratch work was used in Germany from the 13th century (e.g. Magdeburg Cathedral, cloisters), true <WSD>"sgraffito</WSD>" developed in Italy and spread from there. Decoration of a plastered façade with simulated regular stonework existed in Florence from the late 13th century, two-tone decorations from the 15th century. The early <WSD>"sgraffito</WSD>" decorations follow on from the medieval practice of using overlay and ornamentation on buildings and reflect the way in which stone is worked. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A technique in ceramics, art and wall design, where the top layer of pigment or slip is scratched through to reveal an underlying layer.