Tempera

Definition

Tempera is a painting medium made by mixing pigments with a water-soluble binder, often egg yolk, which creates a fast-drying and durable paint. This technique was widely used in Greek art for its vibrant colors and ability to adhere well to various surfaces, making it integral to the development of painting practices in ancient Greece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tempera paintings are known for their fine detail and luminosity, which stem from the use of egg yolk as a binder that enhances the pigment's vibrancy.
2. The technique requires careful preparation, as the egg yolk must be mixed with water and sometimes other substances to achieve the desired consistency for painting.
3. Tempera was commonly applied on wooden panels or prepared surfaces rather than canvas, which became popular later with oil paints.
4. Due to its quick drying time, artists had to work rapidly and often used layering techniques to build up depth and detail in their work.
5. Greek artists utilized tempera not only for religious iconography but also for decorative purposes on pottery and other artifacts, showcasing its versatility.

Review Questions

• How does the technique of tempera differ from other painting methods like fresco or oil paint?
  • Tempera differs from fresco painting in that it uses a binder like egg yolk mixed with pigment, whereas fresco involves applying water-based pigments directly onto wet plaster. Unlike oil paint, which uses oils as a binder and dries slowly, allowing for blending and layering over time, tempera dries quickly. This means that artists needed to apply tempera in distinct layers and work faster to achieve their desired effects. Each method offers unique advantages and challenges that influenced the styles and techniques of Greek artists.
• Discuss the significance of tempera in Greek art and its impact on the evolution of painting techniques.
  • Tempera played a crucial role in Greek art as it allowed artists to achieve vibrant colors and fine details that were essential for both religious and decorative works. The technique's use of egg yolk provided a durable finish that contributed to the longevity of artworks. As artists experimented with tempera, they developed unique layering methods that laid groundwork for future painting techniques. The adaptability of tempera paved the way for later mediums like oil paint, influencing artistic practices well beyond ancient Greece.
• Evaluate how the properties of tempera influenced the thematic content and stylistic choices of Greek artists.
  • The properties of tempera directly influenced both thematic content and stylistic choices in Greek art. Its quick-drying nature required artists to be precise and intentional in their brushwork, often resulting in intricate designs and detailed narratives that reflected cultural values and beliefs. The luminous quality provided by the egg yolk binder allowed for vibrant depictions of mythological scenes or religious figures, which were central themes in Greek artwork. This blend of technique and theme showcases how material choices can shape artistic expression across time.

Related terms

Fresco: A mural painting technique where water-based pigments are applied onto freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the paint to bond as the plaster dries.

Acrylic: A modern synthetic paint medium made from acrylic polymer emulsion, known for its quick-drying properties and versatility compared to traditional mediums like tempera.

Oil Paint: A type of paint made by mixing pigments with oils, such as linseed oil, that became popular in Europe during the Renaissance and allowed for richer textures and colors compared to tempera.