What are painted inscriptions that were professionally written on walls, often for political office, called?

Painted inscriptions that were professionally written on walls, often for political office, are referred to as "dipinti." This term specifically denotes the practice of painting text directly onto a surface, such as walls, and is commonly associated with public announcements or political campaigns in ancient Roman contexts. Dipinti were typically executed with a degree of skill and were intended to convey official messages or advertise political aspirations, reinforcing their professional and formal nature.

Understanding the context of "dipinti" highlights their significance in the social and political landscape of Pompeii and Herculaneum, as they provide insights into the local governance and civic life during that period. This distinguishes them from other forms of wall art or writing. Mosaic refers to artworks made from assembling small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials, while fresco involves painting directly onto wet plaster, techniques distinctively different from the practice of inscription. Graffiti, although it can also include written text, typically connotes personal or informal markings without the professional execution that characterizes dipinti.