Tempera

Definition

Tempera is a fast-drying painting medium made from colored pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, typically egg yolk. This technique became prominent during the development of icon painting and veneration, particularly in Late Antiquity, as it allowed for the creation of vibrant colors and intricate details that were essential for religious imagery. The durability and quick-drying nature of tempera made it ideal for producing icons that were meant to inspire devotion and convey theological messages.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tempera paint has been used since antiquity and was particularly favored before the introduction of oil paints during the Renaissance.
2. Egg yolk serves as a binder in tempera, allowing the pigment to adhere well to surfaces while providing a luminous quality to the colors.
3. Tempera is known for its matte finish, which contrasts with the glossy appearance of oil paintings, impacting how icons were perceived visually and spiritually.
4. The technique requires careful preparation, including mixing pigments with egg and sometimes adding water or vinegar to achieve desired consistency.
5. In the context of icon painting, tempera allowed artists to create detailed works that were both visually appealing and capable of conveying complex spiritual narratives.

Review Questions

• How does tempera differ from other painting techniques like fresco or oil painting in terms of materials and application?
  • Tempera differs significantly from fresco and oil painting in both materials and application methods. While tempera uses egg yolk as a binder mixed with pigments, fresco relies on water-based pigments applied to wet plaster. Oil painting uses oils as a binder, allowing for longer working times and a glossy finish. The fast-drying nature of tempera means artists must work quickly to layer colors, while oil allows for blending over extended periods.
• Discuss the role of tempera in the creation of Byzantine icons and how it influenced their significance in religious practices.
  • Tempera played a crucial role in the creation of Byzantine icons, as it enabled artists to produce vibrant colors and intricate details essential for conveying religious themes. The use of this medium contributed to the icons' significance in Orthodox Christian worship, as they served not only as artistic representations but also as windows to the divine. The clarity and luminosity achieved through tempera helped evoke spiritual emotions among worshippers.
• Evaluate how the characteristics of tempera influence artistic expression and viewer perception in iconography during Late Antiquity.
  • The characteristics of tempera significantly influenced artistic expression and viewer perception in Late Antiquity's iconography. The medium's quick-drying properties allowed for precise detail work, making icons visually compelling and engaging. Additionally, its matte finish offered a different kind of interaction than oil paintings, inviting contemplative viewing rather than mere admiration. This focus on detail and spiritual narrative led viewers to engage more deeply with the divine messages conveyed through these religious images.

Related terms

Fresco: A technique of mural painting on freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the paint to bond with the wall surface as it dries.

Byzantine Icons: Religious images created in the Byzantine Empire, often painted with tempera, which played a key role in Orthodox Christian worship and veneration.

Gesso: A white paint mixture used as a primer for preparing wooden panels or canvas for painting, essential for achieving a smooth surface in tempera artworks.