Tempera

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Tempera is a permanent, fast-drying painting medium consisting of colored pigment mixed with a water-soluble binder medium, usually glue, egg yolk, or a combination of both. Tempera painting has been a primary method of painting until after 1500 when it was superseded by the invention of oil painting. A distinctive characteristic of tempera paint is its matte finish, compared to the more glossy finish of oil paints.

History

Tempera painting has its origins in antiquity, with examples found in early Egyptian sarcophagi decorations. The technique was known in the ancient world as encaustic painting. By the 1st centuries AD, tempera had become the main medium for panel painting and illuminated manuscripts in the Byzantine world. The technique spread to Italy where it was adopted by the early Renaissance artists, including Giotto, Duccio, and Piero della Francesca. These artists found tempera to be an ideal medium for bright, detailed work as it allowed for precision and a great depth of color.

Technique

The traditional technique involves mixing powdered pigments with a binding agent such as egg yolk (the most common), glue, or casein. The mixture is then applied in thin layers over a prepared surface, which is usually wood, though canvas and other materials can also be used. Because tempera dries quickly, it requires a steady hand and a methodical approach to painting. The colors in tempera paint are very vivid due to the pigments being encased in egg yolk, which acts as a binder that refracts light in a unique way.

Characteristics

Tempera paintings are known for their luminosity and clarity of color, as well as their longevity. The paint binds well to the painting surface, and when properly applied, can endure for centuries without fading or cracking. However, because tempera is not as flexible as oil paint, it is more susceptible to cracking if applied to a flexible surface or if the painted object is subject to movement.

Modern Use

While tempera has been largely overshadowed by oil painting and, more recently, acrylics, it is still used by some modern and contemporary artists who appreciate its unique qualities. The medium is popular in schools due to its non-toxic nature and ease of cleanup.

See Also

• Oil painting
• Acrylic paint
• Encaustic painting
• Illuminated manuscript
• Renaissance art